That's very presumptious of you Henry. Wrong I am afraid. I don't neeed a briefing from Asda and would have considerable reservations about it if I did. I was present when the trip to Downing Street was announced. I was also able to count the attendance at the Area Committee Meeting, 79 members of the public, deducting those there for matters concerning Compstall and Mill Brow and some Yes campaigners, (of which I am not one), it leaves about 60 MIA supporters although it was difficult to tell, they were quite quiet. There were 300 at a comparable meeting last year, 60=20% of 300 and therefore represents a fall of 80%, with me so far?
MIA estimate that there were "about 200" at the march on 7th July. I witnessed it and I am confident that there were more that 150 although I don't think there were more than 200 so lets take that figure. At a similar march last year there were "1000+". You wont need me to run through the maths again but a drop of 80%+. OK?
It was easier to count the numbers at the last march as they straggled along the pavement. 108 but I suppose I could have missed a few toddlers. That represents a drop of 90% on last years figure of 1000+. I have since spoken to an MIA member who tells me they were dismayed and could offer no explanation other than "late notification" which doesn't cut the mustard.
Anyway, we will wait and see what MIA's response is, if any.