What follows is a series of convoluted and dubious explanations that the Police gave on the 3rd of March as to why they had reason to believe an offence was being committed:

1) By giving out free food, a climate was being created that enabled drug-dealing - which in itself could promote harassment, distress and/or alarm. Case Law contradicts the use of this Public Order law 'by proxy' (as it were) and it has previously been ruled that if a Section 5 offence is being comitted, it is unlawful to arrest anyone other than the alleged perpetrator of the offence.

2) "Local Businesses" - such as the nearby McDonalds & KFC restaraunts - were claiming that the actions of the collective were inhibiting their ability to make a profit. No law that explicitly states the interests of said businesses are to take precedent over the interests of the other parties involved was invoked. However, it's hardly a shocking revelation that profit comes before people.

3) The concentration of Brixton's drug users and dealers in Brixton Town Square, allegedly as a result of the Reclaim Your Food collective's project, was making the 'problem' more difficult to Police. This isn't even worthy of a witty retort.

Sunday's events also demonstrate the power of solidarity and engagement with the community, after Police abandoned initial threats to arrest everyone present because they thought those involved had 'learnt their lesson' and would not be back the next week. This, of course, had nothing to do with the logistical difficulties that would've arisen from arresting up to 50+ people with limited resources - and having to justify that to the largely supportive members of the public present...honest, sarge! There were many people on hand to photograph and film the behaviour of the Police and to record the identity numbers of the officers involved. The action was not only fully completed and largely unimpeded by Police intervention but also took to the streets afterwards, marching to Brixton Police Station and standing in solidarity with the two arrestees. The Reclaim Your Food banner was unfurled accross the Metropolitan Police logo at the front of the station, generating public interest and support. Tea and Biscuits were also on offer, giving the whole proceeding an uncharacteristically twee vibe!

Many Brixton residents approached the collective, sharing their own experiences of dealing with Police intimidation and brutality. Whilst this may appear incredibly doom-and-gloom, the atmosphere was more conducive to a sense of mutual support and a desire to challenge the state apparatus than of feeling downtrodden or apathetic, which left many people feeling positive about the possiblity of resisting the ever-creeping Police state.