Anti-war campaigners are expected to clash with government minister Stephen Twigg when he visits Colchester later today.
The Minister for Young People is set to take part in a "question time" session with teenagers from across the area in advance of the May local council elections.
But the Colchester Peace Campaign is planning a protest to coincide with the visit.
A spokesman claimed New Labour had "little regard for the youth of this country".
Campaigners say billions of pounds are being spent on war while the Government "continues to squeeze students in schools, colleges and universities".
They are threatening to stage protests when the minister arrives in the town early this evening.
Mr Twigg was invited to Colchester by local Labour youth and student officer Rossanna Trudgian.
Last year she became one of the youngest people ever to address the Labour party conference, aged 17.
MP Stephen Twigg is due at Hythe community centre, Maudlyn Road, at 7.15pm
Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003
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