Britain Yearly Meeting has kicked off (as in started) at Friends House in London, with around 1000 British Friends gathering to work out the crucial issues facing the Society.

The Friend is hoping to provide rolling coverage at its special section.

Last night the Salter Lecture was given by Phil Shiner, who described ways that our government is re-interpreting international law for its war on terror.

The Meeting opened at 7pm and has since introduced the Under 19 programme, heard an introduction on the Business Method and about Quaker work from Meeting for Sufferings.

Lunchtime saw Friends disperse to a variety of Special Interest Groups, including a talk on the project to conserve the Swarthmore Manuscripts and a chance to have a look at them in the Library. They also heard from QCEA and FWCC about work going on overseas.

Tonight the Swarthmore Lecture will be given by Roger and Susan Sawtell, 'Reflections on a long marriage'.