UK Indymedia Features
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/features.rss
UK Indymedia FeaturesIMC UKOpen Content License, http://www.opencontent.org2017-05-02T00:55:27+00:00UK Indymedia : 1999 - 2016
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2017/04/525966.html
<p>Open publishing was disabled on this site in mid-July 2016 as there was a very low volume of original grass roots news reports from activists being posted and the collective running the site was dwindling as people were working on other things. From 1st May 2017 this site is a static archive and will no longer be updated.</p><p>The history of UK Indymedia is somewhat documented under the <a href="/en/topics/indymedia/">Indymedia topic</a> but the full history is yet to be written and perhaps never will be... but this archive will remain available.</p><p>See you in the streets!</p>2017-04-28T20:19+02:002017-04-28T20:19:00+00:00BirminghamCambridgeIndymediaLiverpoolLondonOxfordSheffieldSouth CoastUKWalesWorldIMC UKenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Build gardens not prisons
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2015/09/521502.html
<p>The <a href="http://cape-campaign.org">campaign against a new mega-prison</a> being built near Wrexham got a boost recently when the <a href="http://reclaimthefields.org.uk">Reclaim the Fields network</a> held <a href="/en/2015/08/521399.html">an action camp</a> nearby.</p><p>The Reclaim the Fields International Action Camp, attended by 100-150 people, ran from <a href="/en/2015/09/521507.html">28th August to the 2nd September 2015</a> and was hosted by <a href="http://www.frackfreewrexham.org.uk/the-camp/">a local anti-fracking site</a>. Workshops explored <a href="/en/2015/08/521400.html">the links between land struggles, prison abolition and other issues</a> including gender, animal liberation and freedom of movement.</p><p>People held evening noise demos at three prisons in the region in solidarity with those inside, leafletted the local town, and <a href="/en/2015/09/521437.html">picketed several companies involved in the mega-prison</a>. Finally <a href="http://www.wrexham.com/news/protesters-target-site-of-wrexham-super-prison-99301.html">a blockade of the construction site</a> held up lorries <a href="http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/campaigners-stage-protest-wrexham-super-9969102">for over 4 hours</a> without any arrests.</p><p>As anyone with experience of them knows, prisons are abusive places used to control and threaten people, particularly those of us who are working class, people of colour, or disobedient. We need justice processes based on strong, vibrant communities, not more prisons and cops harming our communities.</p><p>The new prison would be the biggest in the UK, and the second biggest in Europe. It aims to open in 2017 and would give the State enough cages to lock up an extra 2100 people.</p><p>Meanwhile, Robert King of the Angola 3 will give <a href="/en/2015/08/521401.html">a talk on struggle and revolution in the US prison system</a>, on Wed 16 Sep in Dundee.</p><p><a href="http://cape-campaign.org">Community Action on Prison Expansion</a> | <a href="http://reclaimthefields.org.uk">Reclaim the Fields UK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/gardensnotcages">Gardens not Cages</a> | <a href="http://frackfreewrexham.org.uk">Frack Free Wrexham</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/BCPC2">Borras Community Protection Camp</a></p>2015-09-08T18:53+02:002015-09-08T18:53:00+00:00FrackingPromotedRepressionSocial StrugglesUKWalesanonenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Maximus: Same Circus, Different Clowns
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2015/03/519698.html
<p>On Monday 2nd of March 2015, there were demonstrations in over 30 towns and cities around the UK (plus Toronto) against Maximus, the US based health insurance corporation that has taken over the contract from the French IT Company Atos to administer the Work Capability Assessment on behalf of the Department Of Work And Pensions. Atos announced its exit from the contract in early 2014 following an intense period of direct action against the company by groups such as <a href="http://dpac.uk.net/">Disabled People Against the Cuts</a>.</p><p>The day of action was timed to coincide with the first working day of the new contract, with the spotlight turned on Maximus as well as the continued use of Work Capability Assessments and the life-threatening consequences of the ongoing government attacks on the sick and disabled.</p><p>In central London, to the chorus of <a href="http://youtu.be/cW0Zr8lsJ3Q">"David Cameron is a W*****" (YouTube)</a> activists from DPAC hit the streets, taking direct action to block traffic and at one stage bringing traffic to a standstill on Victoria Street in the shadow of Big Ben.</p><p>The demonstrations across the UK on the streets were complemented with an online Twitter campaign using the hashtags #Maximarse and #ScrapWCA, the latter trending for a number of hours. This gave the opportunity for those unable (including through sickness and disability) to make it to demonstrations to vent their anger and frustation around the Work Capability Assessment and at a government hell-bent on targeting the sick and disabled.</p><p><strong>On the Newswire:</strong> <a href="/en/2015/03/519688.html">Maximarse is more than a farce</a> | <a href="/en/2015/03/519686.html">Mental Health Resistance Network Statement</a> | <a href="/en/2015/03/519667.html">Wrexham joins National Day of Protest Against WCA & Maximus</a></p><p><strong>Other links:</strong> <a href="https://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/huge-success-for-campaigners-as-rage-against-maximus-explodes-onto-the-streets-across-the-uk/">Johnny Void</a> | <strong>Video:</strong> <a href="http://youtu.be/j93_Dp0j0LE">Maximarse the Movie (YouTube)</a></p>2015-03-05T23:42+02:002015-03-05T23:42:00+00:00BirminghamCambridgeHealthLiverpoolLondonOxfordPublic sector cutsRepressionSheffieldSouth CoastUKWalessolidarity collectiveenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Police serve Bytemark with production order for Bristol Indymedia information
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/09/517868.html
<p><a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/">Bristol Indymedia</a> has been hosted on a <a href="http://toolbar.netcraft.com/site_report?url=http://bristol.indymedia.org">Bytemark Debian virtual server</a> since the last server seizure in 2005 [ <a href="/en/2005/06/314820.html">1</a> | <a href="/en/2005/07/317688.html">2</a> ], during the run up to <a href="/en/actions/2005/g8/">the G8</a>. From then up until <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20131104044740/http://bristol.indymedia.org/">November 2013</a> the site was running <a href="http://www.indymedia.ie/oscailt/">Oscailt</a>, in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140327135034/http://www.bristol.indymedia.org/">March 2014</a> it was <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20140831172948/http://bristol.indymedia.org/2014/03/21/welcome-to-the-new-indymedia-site/">re-launched as a WordPress site</a> <em>"using the software <a href="https://code.autistici.org/trac/privacy/browser/trunk/libapache-mod-removeip/upstream/trunk/README">modremoveip</a>"</em>. On <a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20140831200841/http://bristol.indymedia.org/2014/08/14/we-are-taking-a-summer-break/">14th August 2014</a> Bristol Indymedia switched off open publishing on the site for a summer break with the intention in September to <em>"review whether we have the time and inclination to turn publishing back on"</em>.</p><p>On 27th August 2014 <a href="/en/2014/08/517810.html">Bristol Indymedia reported that</a>, <em>"the police had a court order to access the Bristol Indymedia server. We don’t know for sure, but assume that our web hosts have complied with the order and given the police this access"</em>. Bristol Indymedia disabled open publishing on the server and said <em>"it is unlikely that open publishing of news items will ever be re-enabled as it would require complete re-installation of the server"</em>.</p><p>Since then the only source of further information has been from <a href="/en/2014/08/517810.html?c=on#c301096">an article in The Times</a> which reported that the PACE special procedure production order obtained by Avon and Somerset Police and served on Bytemark on 15th August 2014 <em>"demands access to the details of administrators and bill-payers, login credentials, information on those who posted articles and the IP addresses of everyone who visited the site over an unspecified period"</em>. The court order served on Bytemark hasn't been published. The Times has reported that the Police have said that, <em>"No arrests have been made in connection with this incident"</em>.</p><p><strong>Corporate Coverage: [ The Times: <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4189888.ece">Activist website Indymedia shuts down after police raid</a> (<a href="/en/2014/08/517810.html?c=on#c301096">repost</a>) | The Bristol Post: <a href="http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Anarchist-website-Bristol-Indymedia-close/story-22848036-detail/story.html">Anarchist website Bristol Indymedia to close following police raid</a> (<a href="/en/2014/08/517810.html?c=on#c301088">repost</a>) | Bristol24-7: <a href="http://www.bristol247.com/2014/09/01/bristol-indymedia-offline-good-police-raid-24251/">Bristol Indymedia offline for good after police raid</a> ]</strong></p><p><strong>Activist Coverage: [ Urban75: <a href="http://www.urban75.net/forums/threads/indymedia-bristol-raided-by-plod-servers-accessed.326921/">Indymedia Bristol raided by plod, servers accessed!</a> | LibCom: <a href="https://libcom.org/blog/sources-police-raid-bristol-indymedia-29082014">Sources and the police raid on Bristol Indymedia</a> ]</strong></p>2014-09-01T20:58+02:002014-09-01T20:58:00+00:00BristolIndymediaRepressionTechnologyUKWorldUK IndymediaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Police action against Bristol Indymedia
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/08/517810.html
<p>Bristol Indymedia <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/2014/08/27/the-police-have-physically-accessed-the-bristol-indymedia-server/">reported on 27th August 2014</a> that:</p><blockquote><p><strong>The Police have physically accessed the Bristol Indymedia server.</strong></p><p>Last week we heard from our web hosts that the police had a court order to access the Bristol Indymedia server. We don’t know for sure, but assume that our web hosts have complied with the order and given the police this access.</p><p>We consider this server to be compromised, users should assume that from this point on the Police have access to the IP address of anyone accessing this site.</p><p>In light of this it is unlikely that open publishing of news items will ever be re-enabled as it would require complete re-installation of the server.</p><p>We are going to leave the calendar on for now, but note that it is likely that IP addresses are now being recorded and accessed by the Police.</p></blockquote>2014-08-28T18:27+02:002014-08-28T18:27:00+00:00BristolIndymediaRepressionUKWorldUK IndymediaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Stop NATO Cymru Week of Action / Wythnos o Weithredu Stop NATO
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/07/517414.html
<p>A week of action against the NATO summit. / Wythos o weithredu yn erbyn Uwchgynhadledd NATO.</p><p>This year NATO will have their next summit at Celtic Manor Resort, in Newport, south Wales. In early September 2014, “world leaders” – all directly responsible for untold death, illegal torture flights, and wars fought purely to protect Western business interests and resource supply routes – will gather on the edge of this historic Welsh city. Many people from Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and beyond, will oppose the summit and use a diversity of tactics against it. We, an anti-capitalist, anti-militarist network in South Wales, plan to facilitate mobilisations and provide space for workshops, skill-shares and social events. We are organising without leaders as we do not agree with bosses or bombs.</p><p>For timetable, see the full article.</p><p><strong>On the newswire:</strong> <a href="/en/2014/08/517790.html">No Borders/Stop NATO day of action</a> | <a href="/en/2014/08/517780.html">Round up of Week of Action events</a> | <a href="/en/2014/08/517785.html">Stop NATO action against securitisation & policing</a> | <a href="/en/2014/08/517713.html">AFIACH benefit compilation</a> | <a href="/en/2014/08/517711.html">NATO CopWatch</a> | <a href="/en/2014/07/517412.html">Day of Action Against Militarism</a> | <a href="/en/2014/07/517357.html">16-17 Aug, National Convergence, Blackpool</a> | <a href="/en/2014/07/517272.html">Police Harassment in Merthyr</a></p><p><strong>Other links:</strong> <a href="http://www.network23.org/stopnatocymru">Stop Nato Cymru</a> | <a href="http://www.anarchistaction.net">Anarchist Action Network</a></p>2014-07-31T18:04+02:002014-07-31T18:04:00+00:00Anti-militarismGlobalisationNATO 2014UKWalesWorldStop NATO Cymru and Anarchist Action NetworkenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Newport Rising: Festival of Radical Change
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/05/516786.html
<p><strong>26 May - 1 June, Newport.</strong></p><p>Organised by Anarchist Action Network, Stop NATO Cymru and South Wales Anarchists, the festival runs all week at 95-96 Commercial Street, Newport NP20 1LU. <em>Sharing ideas and skills, celebrating resistance & organising to win.</em> All welcome. Workshops and skill shares all week, free cafe all day and free meal every evening.</p><p>The NATO Summit comes to Newport at the beginning of September. Come along this week and prepare for the Stop NATO week of action 30 August - 5 September and take part in some of the many talks, sessions and workshops. Something for everyone! All welcome (except cops and mainstream journalists, who will be asked to stay outside). The venue is an alcohol & drug free space.</p><p>If you can only manage one day and want to get clued up on NATO and what's planned for August & September, come along on Sunday:<br/><strong>Sunday 1 June. 4pm: Talk - Resisting the NATO Summit. 6.30pm: Meeting to build resistance against the NATO Summit.</strong></p><p><strong>On the newswire</strong>: <a href="/en/2014/05/516832.html">Protest & Street Theatre</a> | <a href="/en/2014/05/516816.html">Banner drops</a> | <a href="/en/2014/05/516793.html">Photos from Newport Rising</a> | <a href="/en/2014/05/516547.html">Anarchists Shut Cardiff Barclays</a> | <a href="/en/2014/04/516285.html">Anarchist Travelling Circus Presents Newport Rising</a> | <a href="/en/2014/04/516249.html">Protest the NATO Summit</a> | <a href="/en/2014/03/515973.html">Antimilitarists Block NATO Conference</a> | <a href="/en/2014/03/515700.html">NATO Uncut Call-out</a> | <a href="/en/2014/01/514865.html">Stop NATO Cymru Statement</a></p><p><strong>Other links</strong>: <a href="https://network23.org/stopnatocymru/">Stop Nato Cymru</a> | <a href="https://www.anarchistaction.net/">anarchistaction.net</a> | <a href="http://www.nonatonewport.org/">No Nato Newport</a> | <a href="http://notonatowalk.org.uk/">The Long March on Newport</a></p>2014-05-28T10:53+02:002014-05-28T10:53:00+00:00Anti-militarismFree SpacesNATO 2014PromotedSocial StrugglesUKWalesWorldimc in walesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Women's battle against undercover policing: Week of Action
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/03/515903.html
<p><strong>***STOP PRESS 13th March: The Metropolitan Police <a href="http://policespiesoutoflives.org.uk/press-release-metropolitan-police-climb-down-in-undercover-case/">has withdrawn its application to strike out women's case</a> as the legal battle continues. Solidarity picket on Tuesday 18th March will go ahead as planned.***</strong></p><p>Five of the eight women taking legal action against the Metropolitan Police, due to undercover police officers deceiving them into long term intimate relationships, will be opposing Scotland Yard's attempt to have their cases struck out on Tuesday 18th March. The women and their <a href="http://policespiesoutoflives.org.uk/">Police Spies Out of Lives</a> support group have called for a <a href="http://policespiesoutoflives.org.uk/londonmarch2014/">solidarity picket</a> outside the Royal Court of Justice, The Strand, at 9am on Tuesday 18th, as part of a <a href="/en/2014/03/515868.html">week of action</a> (17th - 21st March).</p><p><strong>On the Newswire:</strong> <a href="/en/2013/01/505678.html">Outrage as High Court permits secrecy over undercover policing</a> | <a href="/en/2011/01/472566.html">Abuse of women by undercover police must stop now!</a> | <a href="/en/2011/01/472363.html">Three undercover political Police unmasked</a> | <a href="/en/2011/01/472027.html">Undercover and over-the-top: The collapse of the Ratcliffe trial</a> | <a href="/en/2010/10/466477.html">Mark 'Stone/Kennedy' exposed as undercover police officer</a></p><p><strong>Other Links:</strong> <a href="http://policespiesoutoflives.org.uk/">Police Spies Out Of Lives</a> | <a href="http://campaignopposingpolicesurveillance.wordpress.com/">Campaign Opposing Police Surveillance</a></p>2014-03-12T19:08+02:002014-03-12T19:08:00+00:00LondonPolicingRepressionSocial StrugglesUKPolice Spies Out of LivesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Updates to the Indymedia Newswire
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2014/02/515428.html
<p>The UK Indymedia Collective met this weekend in Wales. Amongst other things, we have agreed some changes to the newswire. The default view will now be the promoted newswire — articles that have been read and promoted by a member of the collective. This will mean that newly published articles won't immediately appear on the front page of the site but can be viewed by clicking through to <a href="/en/?w=open#nwire">the open newswire</a>. We hope these changes will encourage people to post content that meets the <a href="/en/static/editorial.html">editorial guidelines</a>.</p>2014-02-16T22:44+02:002014-02-16T22:44:00+00:00IndymediaUKIMC UKenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8New squatting law starts to crumble - Keep squatting!
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/11/513676.html
<p><strong>Section 144 of LASPO may prove unenforceable in practice</strong></p><p>Resistance to s.144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012 that outlaws squatting in residential buildings is growing. Ultimately, the law may prove unworkable and unenforceable. There have been a number of successful prosecutions under the new law, including the widely publicised conviction and imprisonment of 21 year old Alex Haigh who came to London looking for work and stayed in an unoccupied housing association flat. He pleaded guilty, but it has since become clear that where a not guilty plea is entered by defendant, it may be difficult if not impossible for the prosecution to prove the charge. After some notable acquittals, we have a better idea about the obstacles facing hapless prosecutors and some of the ways in which well-informed residential squatters might go about successfully defending themselves in court. Read on.</p><p><strong>On the newswire:</strong> <a href="en/2013/11/513607.html">Brighton acquittals 1</a> | <a href="/en/2013/11/513431.html">Brighton acquittals 2</a> | <a href="/en/2013/11/513573.html">Moelfre acquittal</a> | <a href="/en/2013/10/513386.html">Squatting as protest in Southwark</a> | <a href="/en/2012/11/502796.html">Mike Weatherley is a coward case</a> | <a href="/en/2012/10/500768.html?c=on">Alex Haigh conviction</a> | <a href="/en/2012/10/501096.html">Henry: Bristol's first victim of squatting criminalisation</a><br/><strong>Other links:</strong> <a href="https://network23.org/squatterslegalnetwork">Squatters Legal Network</a> | <a href="http://www.squatter.org.uk/">Advisory Service for Squatters</a> | <a href="https://rooftopresistance.squat.net">Rooftop Resistance</a> | <a href="http://www.squashcampaign.org/">SQUASH</a></p>2013-11-11T22:31+02:002013-11-11T22:31:00+00:00LondonPolicingSocial StrugglesSouth CoastUKWalesimc-uk & housing warenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Attack on The Casa
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/11/513614.html
<p>On Saturday 2nd November 2013 a <a href="/en/2013/11/513518.html">fundraising benefit gig</a> for the family of imprisoned whistleblower Chelsea Manning, organised by <a href="http://wiseupaction.info/">WISE Up Action</a>, at <a href="http://www.initiativefactory.org/index.php/casa-bar">The Casa in Liverpool</a>, a pub set up by <a href="http://www.initiativefactory.org/history">sacked Liverpool Dockers</a>, suffered <a href="/en/2013/11/513484.html">multiple violent attacks</a>.</p><p>The day before the physical and verbal attacks on the anti-war activist organisers and The Casa staff, <a href="http://infantile-disorder.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/we-support-chelsea-manning.html">a statement on Adam Ford's blog</a>, <em>"from a group of activists who will be supporting Chelsea Manning but opposing Ciaron O'Reilly at an event in Liverpool tomorrow"</em> claimed that <em>"Ciaron O'Reilly - a main organiser of tonight's event - does not support Chelsea Manning in the same way that we do"</em> and said that they <em>"intend to protest against that"</em>. Ten days before the attack <a href="https://anarchobastard.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/ciaron-oreilly-julian-assange-chelsea-manning-and-making-a-choice/">an article opposing the event</a>, published on the blog of a member of the <a href="http://www.solfed.org.uk/local/liverpool">Liverpool Solidarity Federation</a> and reproduced the next day <a href="http://www.libcom.org/blog/ciaron-o%E2%80%99reilly-julian-assange-chelsea-manning-making-choice-25102013">on Libcom</a>, claimed that <a href="https://twitter.com/CiaronOReilly">Ciaron O’Reilly</a> was a <em>"vile misogynist and transphobic shitbag"</em> and that <em>"O’Reilly’s fundraiser in Liverpool will be challenged on the basis of his behaviour towards women and on the basis of his support for Julian Assange."</em> Ciaron O’Reilly <a href="/en/2013/11/513484.html?c=on#c297574">refutes the allegations against him</a>, in response to the accusation that he made some sexist remarks he has said <em>"I am not sure I have"</em> and in response to the charge that that he refers to Chelsea Manning using her previous name of Bradley, he has made it clear that he does <em>"not refuse to use the name Chelsea"</em>.</p><p>On 19th October 2013, outside the <a href="http://www.anarchistbookfair.org.uk/">Anarchist bookfair</a> in London <a href="/en/2013/10/513250.html">Ciaron O’Reilly was physically and verbally assaulted</a> because of his ongoing support and solidarity work for Julian Assange of <a href="https://wikileaks.org/">WikiLeaks</a> who has been sheltering from persecution in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for <a href="http://wikileaks.org/Statement-by-Julian-Assange-after,249.html">over a year</a>.</p><p><strong>Links: <a href="/en/2013/10/513250.html">Catholic among the Pigeons</a> | <a href="/en/2013/10/513262.html">Solidarity gigs/events for US prisoner of conscience Private Manning</a> | <a href="/en/2013/11/513484.html">Drunk Attack on Chelsea Manning's Family Fundraiser in Liverpool</a> | <a href="/en/2013/11/513518.html">Weekend of Solidarity with Chelsea Manning's Family - the good news!</a> | <a href="/en/2013/11/513662.html">Photos and audio from Chelsea Manning's Family Fundraiser in Liverpool</a></strong></p>2013-11-08T18:32+02:002013-11-08T18:32:00+00:00Free SpacesGenderLiverpoolSocial StrugglesUKWorldUK IndymediaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Tower Hamlets - Round Two
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/08/512127.html
<p>Anti-fascists are gearing up for the return of the English Defence League to Tower Hamlets in East London on September 7th.</p><blockquote><em>The EDL don't have any right to "march on" areas. This is not about expressing freedom of speech, it's about causing fear and division. That's why they must be opposed</em> - Anti Fascist Network</blockquote><p>The EDL's leadership have a peculiar obsession with this borough of London - this'll be the third time they've tried (and failed) to demonstrate en masse in the area. That's without counting leadership Tommy and Kev's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEI0TKkX9_o">ill-fated effort</a> at a charity walk through the area back in June.</p><p>The last time the league put in an <a href="http://www.schnews.org.uk/archive/news787.php">appearance in the borough</a>, in September 2011, a thirty day ban on all parades in the area was enforced by the Home Secretary. On the day, an army of cops enforced separation between them and the thousands of locals and anti-fascists waiting for them just up the road.</p><p>So why Tower Hamlets? According to the EDL it's because the area is already under Sharia law. In fact they go so far as to claim that there is "<em>No beer allowed, this is a Muslim area</em>", which will come as news to regulars of the <i>White Hart</i> and <i>Blind Beggar</i>.</p><p>In reality there probably are a handful of nutters who want to establish a global caliphate and Taliban-style social mores in the East End but they're a tiny, tiny minority. Despite EDL assertions, local government is probably no more corrupt there than in any major city. Scare stories about 'ghettoes' and 'no-go zones' are just there to whip up hate and get boots on the street.</p><p>Last time, the EDL mobilised around 800 of their footsoldiers for their venture into darkest Muslamic country. When they announced Tower Hamlets 2013 they were at the height of their post-Lee Rigby bounce. Recent outings in Hull and Portsmouth have not seen anything like the numbers turning out in the immediate aftermath of the soldier's death but the threat to the area is still substantial.</p><p>There's every likelihood that there will be a state ban on demos and parades again but anti-fascist opposition on the streets is what counts. The <a href="http://antifascistnetwork.wordpress.com/">Anti-Fascist Network</a> is calling for autonomous anti-fascists to meet in <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/INE5y">Altab Ali park</a> at 11 a.m on September 7th saying, "<em>We are calling a mass opposition, the more people, the safer and more empowering it will be for all of us. On the day we aim to be mobile and fluid in order to disrupt the EDLs plans</em>".</p><p>Look out for the Anti Fascist Network (AFN) banners and flags and join them on the streets.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/THstopEDL">@THStopEDL</a> for updates now and on the day</p><p><strong>From the newswire:</strong><br/><a href="/en/2013/09/512329.html">North East BNP members exposed</a> | <a href="/en/2013/08/512291.html">Local residents oppose EDL march in South Shields</a> | <a href="/en/2013/07/511518.html">Anti-fascists report from Liverpool James Larkin march</a> | <a href="/en/2013/07/511514.html">EDL in Brum update</a></p>2013-08-24T09:10+02:002013-08-24T09:10:00+00:00Anti-racismLondonUKJo MakepeaceenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Sussex Village tells Cuadrilla to Frack Off
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/08/511756.html
<p><strong>Join the ongoing resistance at Balcombe</strong></p><p>Attempts by Cuadrilla Resources to begin exploratory drilling for gas at Balcombe, West Sussex on a temporary licence that expires in September have met with strong resistance by locals and environmental activists from around the country who have come together for <a href="http://frack-off.org.uk/latest-news-from-the-great-gas-gala/">The Great Gas Gala</a>. The start of drilling, for which Caudrilla has a very small window, has been significantly delayed by the action in spite of excessive and repressive policing, a camp has sprung up, support by locals for direct action is reported to be over 80% and the resistance continues. <a href="http://greatgasgala.org.uk/events/">Planned events</a> at the camp include a 'meet the locals' tea party on Sun 4 August, a day of artistic resistance on Sat 10 August and a 'Gas Gala' on Sun 18 August.</p><p><strong>On the newswires:</strong> <a href="/en/2013/07/511679.html">Whose streets? Cuadrilla's streets!</a> | <a href="/en/2013/07/511659.html">No Names, No Frack Drill</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/765902">Frack Free Somerset in Solidarity with Balcombe blockaders</a> | <a href="/en/2013/07/511579.html">Ongoing blockade of Fracking Site</a> | <a href="/en/2013/07/511552.html">Resistance Call-Out for Balcombe</a> | <a href="/en/2013/07/511637.html">Meanwhile, in Scotland</a></p><p><strong>Other links:</strong> <a href="http://frack-off.org.uk/">Frack Off: Extreme Energy Action Network</a> | <a href="http://frack-off.org.uk/fracking-in-balcombe-a-community-says-no/">Background story to Balcombe Fracking Resistance</a> | <a href="http://frack-off.org.uk/latest-news-from-the-great-gas-gala/">The Great Gas Gala</a> | <a href="http://www.frackfreebalcombe.co.uk/">Frack Free Balcombe</a> | <a href="http://greatgasgala.org.uk/events/">Balcombe camp events listing</a></p>2013-08-04T07:51+02:002013-08-04T07:51:00+00:00EcologyEnergy CrisisFrackingRepressionSouth CoastUKenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Dignity not destitution! Support the right to asylum
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/06/510976.html
<p><strong>Shared National Day of Asylum Seekers Taking Action</strong></p><p>This <strong>Saturday 29th June</strong> will see protests across the country by asylum seekers and supporters calling for 'Dignity not Destitution'.</p><p>In June 2012, 250 asylum seekers and supporters marched through Bristol to tell people our problems and to demand Dignity For Asylum Seekers [ <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/709774">Report</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/709746">Press Release</a> ]. This gave us more confidence to speak out. After last year's march we campaigned to get Bristol City Council to support us. We are pleased to say that in January they voted overwhelmingly to <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/712485">support us</a> and condemn the government’s policy on forced destitution. Now, we are joining together with groups around the country to take action on the same day to say that forced destitution is wrong. Read the full article for details of events around the country.</p><p><strong>On the newswires:</strong><br/>Call-outs for 29 June <a href="/en/2013/06/510688.html">Leeds</a> | <a href="http://www.indymediascotland.org/node/33707">Glasgow</a> | Previous Bristol actions: Reports <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/709774">1</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/712485">2</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/712475">3</a> | Audio <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/709555">1</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/709553">2</a><br/><strong>Other links:</strong><br/><a href="http://stillhumanstillhere.wordpress.com">Still Human Still Here</a> | <a href="http://www.cityofsanctuary.org/">City of Sanctuary</a></p>2013-06-26T10:56+02:002013-06-26T10:56:00+00:00Anti-racismBristolLeeds BradfordManchesterMigrationRepressionScotlandSheffieldUKenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Stop the Murder, Stop the Hate, Close Down the Group of Eight!
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/06/510317.html
<p>StopG8 have organised a week of action in London from 8th to 15th June, ahead of the UK G8 summit. Tuesday June 11th will be the big day, The #J11 Carnival Against Capitalism mass action will start at 12 noon on Tuesday June 11th, the meet-up points will be:</p><ul class="noindent"><li>North: Oxford Circus.</li><li>South: Piccadilly Circus.</li></ul><p>The action will finish with a ‘street party’ at 5:30pm, the location will be announced on the day.</p><h3>Other links:</h3><p><a href="https://network23.org/stopg8/">Stop G8</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Resist-the-2013-UK-G8-Summit/380692651991802">Resist 2013 UK G8 Summit</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/stopG8UK">Stop G8 on Twitter</a> | <a href="http://theyoweus.org.uk/">They Owe Us</a></p>2013-06-09T20:39+02:002013-06-09T20:39:00+00:00Anti-militarismFree SpacesG8 2013Social StrugglesUKWorldIndymedia ukenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Bradley Manning's Trial begins 3 June. Call-out for solidarity everywhere
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509722.html
<p>The trial in the Court Martial of Welsh-American WikiLeaks Whistleblower Bradley Manning is finally scheduled to begin on Monday 3 June 2013 at Fort Meade, Maryland, US after an unprecedented three years of pre-trial detention. The <a href="/en/2012/12/504187.html">mistreatment of Bradley Manning</a> in prison including almost a year of torture by the US authorities that was <a href="https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/03/12-1">condemned</a> by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has to be seen in the context of the vast, 'secret' <a href="http://notes.rjgallagher.co.uk/2013/03/wikileaks-grand-jury-timetable-doj-obama-administration.html">Grand Jury</a> conspiracy and espionage investigation into WikiLeaks and the <a href="http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=8806">pressure</a> that must have been exerted on Brad in a sustained but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to persuade him to testify against Julian Assange, who the US authorities very badly want to get their hands on.</p><p>Read or listen to Bradley Manning's <a href="http://wiseupaction.info/bradley-manning-in-his-own-words-2/">statement to the court</a> (extracts below) and his <a href="http://wiseupaction.info/bradley-manning-in-his-own-words/">chat logs</a> to see why he felt that the information he found himself in possession of should be shared with the world and what he hoped might happen as a result of risking his life and liberty to do this.</p><p>There are 22 charges against Brad including 'Aiding the Enemy' that potentially carries the death penalty although the prosecution has said it will not seek this sentence. Brad has already pled guilty to 10 lesser charges that could themselves result in a 20 year jail term and the government has <a href="http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2013/05/21/government-accepts-bradley-mannings-plea-to-lesser-offense-related-to-disclosure-of-diplomatic-cable/">accepted his lesser plea on just one count</a> but not on any of the other lesser charges, for which it will still bring evidence. During the final pre-trial hearing on 21 May, Judge Lind announced that portions of the trial dealing with 24 witnesses, including US Ambassadors, will be <a href="http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2013/05/21/bradley-mannings-final-pretrial-hearing-day-1/">held in closed session</a>, with redacted transcripts provided afterwards.</p><p>The US, aided and abetted by Britain, is pursuing a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2013/may/17/endless-war-on-terror-obama">permanent 'War on Terror'</a> and continues its project of creating and escalating conflict around the globe at terrible cost to human life. The significance of the anti-war actions of Bradley Manning and Julian Assange can be judged by reference to the zeal with which both are being persecuted by the US authorities and the extent to which they have been variously misrepresented, vilified, smeared, ridiculed or ignored in the mainstream media. As anti-war activists or war resisters, they deserve our support and solidarity.</p><p>Join existing or create your own solidarity actions on <strong>Saturday 1 June</strong> and throughout Brad's trial, expected to last into August unless there's an early plea deal. 1 June solidarity is currently planned for <a href="http://wiseupaction.info/2012/05/31/for-the-usinternational-campaign-for-bradley-manning/">London</a> and <a href="/en/2013/05/509709.html">Cardiff</a>.</p><p><strong>Previous features:</strong> <a href="/en/2012/12/504187.html">December 2012</a> (Torture hearing) | <a href="/en/2011/04/477983.html">April 2011</a> (Call-out for solidarity)<br/><strong>On the newswires (recent):</strong> <a href="https://www.indymedia.ie/article/103703">Thanking Bradley Manning in Kabul</a> | <a href="/en/2013/05/509735.html">Bradley Manning's in jail for us, We're on the streets for him</a> | <a href="/en/2013/05/509709.html">1 June call-out for Cardiff</a> | <a href="/en/2013/05/509298.html">Vivienne Westwood supports Brad</a> | <a href="/en/2013/05/509251.html">London solidarity in run-up to trial</a> | <a href="/en/2013/05/509179.html">Solidarity at Chester May Day</a> | <a href="/en/2013/05/509128.html">Downloadable flyers for 1 June</a> | <a href="/en/2013/04/508452.html">London solidarity/Report from Fort Meade</a> | <a href="/en/2013/03/507864.html">Brad nominated for Nobel Peace Prize (again)</a> | <a href="/en/2013/02/506792.html">Wrexham solidarity on 1000th day of detention</a></p><p><strong>Other links:</strong> <a href="http://bradleymanning.org">bradleymanning.org</a> | <a href="http://wiseupaction.info">wiseupaction.info</a> | <a href="http://veteransforpeace.org.uk/news/">veteransforpeace.org.uk</a> | <a href="http://www.refusingtokill.net/">refusingtokill.net</a> | <a href="http://www.alexaobrien.com/secondsight/wikileaks/bradley_manning/appellate_exhib/united_states_versus_private_first_class_bradley_manning_searchable_legal_filings_and_rulings.html">Alexa O'Brien's searchable database of all available legal documents</a> | <a href="http://iam.bradleymanning.org/">iam.bradleymanning.org</a></p>2013-05-27T11:22+02:002013-05-27T11:22:00+00:00AfghanistanAnti-militarismIraqRepressionTerror WarUKWorldWISE UpenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Anti-capitalists gear up for G8 protests
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509293.html
<p>Anti-capitalists have been gearing up for the protests against the G8 Summit with Mayday actions across the country. The focus was on Primark and other businesses profiting from the global slave labour system which led to the death of 700 people in Bangladesh. There were angry protests in central London, Hackney, Lewisham, Birmingham, Brighton and Bristol, with the clear message going out that the disaster was not an accident but the inevitable consequence of the callous capitalist system. <a href="http://network23.org/stopg8">Stop G8</a> is holding another organising meeting in London on May 25 and May 26, before the big week of action in the capital from June 10 to June 14, featuring the #J11 Carnival Against Capitalism.</p>On the Newswire: <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/04/508998.html">Mayday protest in central London</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509223.html">Mayday protest in Glasgow</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509189.html">Mayday protests in Birmingham, Hackney and Lewisham</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509222.html">Mayday protest in Bristol</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/04/509037.html">Mayday protest in Brighton</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509150.html">Squatted social centre in Lewes</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/05/509250.html">Guillotine in Worthing</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/04/508961.html">Oxford Stop G8 meeting</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/03/507627.html">Call-out for J11</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506726.html">Call-out for week of action</a> <p>Other links: <a href="http://network23.org/stopg8">Stop G8</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Resist-the-2013-UK-G8-Summit/380692651991802">Resist 2013 UK G8 Summit</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/stopG8UK">Stop G8 on Twitter</a> | <a href="http://theyoweus.org.uk/">They Owe Us</a></p>2013-05-08T12:33+02:002013-05-08T12:33:00+00:00Anti-militarismG8 2013GlobalisationLondonSocial StrugglesSouth CoastUKWorldAnti-capitalistaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Rossport Solidarity Camp Week of Action 21st-30th June 2013
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/04/508881.html
<p><strong>RAGE AGAINST THE BORING MACHINE</strong></p><p>Come to act in solidarity with the campaign in Mayo against Shell’s Corrib Gas Project. For over 12 years, the local community have been resisting Shell's plans to force through a high pressure raw gas pipeline and inland refinery. Local people have gone through all possible channels to fight the project.</p><p>Let down by the Government; many have been beaten, imprisoned and feel under siege by the security and police. However people continue to protest in order to protect their families, livelihoods and resources. Currently Shell are attempting to tunnel under an EU 'protected' estuary with their tunnel boring machine but they are experiencing major construction problems. If they are having difficulties without protests, imagine how much havoc a little more disruption will cause. Rossport is the frontline of the resistance to ‘Extreme Energy’ extraction in Ireland.</p><p>Hot on the heels of the anti-G8 protests, we warmly invite old and new faces to come join us for a week of action against Shell's disastrous project.</p><p>If you are new to taking action don’t worry - all kinds of skills and roles are needed during the week of action and you will be able to play a role that you are comfortable with. If you know the area and have ideas for action - get prepared and come with an affinity group if possible.</p><p><strong>Links to newswire articles:</strong> <a href="/en/2013/04/508721.html">Shell to Sea campaigner speaking in Bristol, Leeds & Manchester this week</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.ie/article/103304">Digger diving</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.ie/article/103495">In memory of Ogoni 9</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.ie/article/103229">Community protests at Shell's profit announcement</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.ie/article/103296">Trucks blockaded</a></p><p><strong>Other links:</strong> <a href="http://www.shelltosea.com/content/rossport-solidarity-camp-june-weekend-experience">Last year's Summer Camp</a> | <a href="http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.org/">Rossport Solidarity Camp</a> | <a href="http://www.shelltosea.com/">Shell to Sea</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.ie/mayo">Mayo topic on indymedia.ie</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RossportSolidarityCampGathering?fref=ts">Rossport Camp Gathering on Facebook</a> | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Rossportsolidarityca?feature=watch">Rossport Solidarity YouTube Video</a></p>2013-04-23T11:45+02:002013-04-23T11:45:00+00:00Climate ChaosEcologyEnergy CrisisPolicingRossport SolidarityUKRossport Solidarity CampenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Cuts Meeting at Birmingham Council House Blockaded
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/03/507197.html
<p>On the morning of Tuesday 26th February at 7:30am a group of Save Birmingham activists blockaded the entrance to the Council House underground car park. Later that day the annual budget meeting would take place where over £100m worth of cuts would be voted through. Save Birmingham, who had <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/506328.html">previously occupied the balcony of the Council House</a> in the lead up to the budget meeting, along with other anti-cuts groups had called for a public blockade of the Council House at 11:00am to prevent the councillors from entering the building and voting through the cuts. When 11:00 arrived the car park blockaders were joined by hundreds of people from around Birmingham angry at the way the cuts are being undemocratically forced onto the city by the council. Soon all major entrances to the Council House had been blockaded just in time for the councillors to start arriving. Police tried to break up and force councillors through but eventually resorted to sneaking councillors into the Council House via secret doors in the Art Museum which is connected to the Council House. When the meeting finally got under-way activists twice managed to gain entry to the building to disrupt the meeting.</p><p><b>On the Newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/507136.html">Video of Blockaded: Birmingham Council House cuts meeting</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/506988.html">Council House Blockaded</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/506997.html">Photos from Birmingham Council House blockade</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/507116.html">More photos of Council House Blockade</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/507125.html">Council Have Voted Through £102m Cuts – Blockade & Demonstration Is Not The End</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/506906.html">It’s Time To Shut The City Down – Day Of Action Against Council Cuts</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/506872.html">Save Birmingham - Blockade the Council House</a></p><p><b>Previous features:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/02/506328.html">Anti-Cuts protesters occupy Birmingham Council House</a></p><p><b>Links:</b> <a href="https://savebirmingham.wordpress.com/">Save Birmingham</a></p>2013-03-03T00:28+02:002013-03-03T00:28:00+00:00BirminghamPublic sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKWorkers' MovementsIMC UK FeaturesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Eileen House opened by Self-Organised London as new social space
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506841.html
<p><a href="http://www.selforganisedlondon.org/">Self-Organised London Social Space</a> has now been opened in a squatted office building near Elephant and Castle.</p><p><a href="http://www.olympusrpg.com/selforganisedlondon/EileenHouse.html">Eileen House</a> on 80-94 Newington Causeway, a 1960s office building, has now been empty for years. Its redevelopment has been subject to a <a href="http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/planning/public-hearings/eileen-house">protracted and contested debate</a> between Southwark Council, Oakmayne developers, local residents, the famous nightclub “Ministry of Sound” (located opposite Eileen House) and – the mayor of London (see <a href="http://static.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning_decisions/strategic_dev/2011/201112 /Eileen_House_80-94_Newington_Causeway_final%20decision.pdf">PDF</a>). After numerous months of haggling and bureaucratic warfare, it’s time to reclaim Eileen house for the public and the interests of the Elephant’s residents!</p><p>On Tuesday night, 19th February, a number of social centre collectives squatted Eileen House as a <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506451.html">direct action against gentrification</a>. As a selforganised London Social Space, we want to propose & exchange ideas for radical alternatives, serving the needs of the many vibrant and organic communities around E&C!</p><p>For this reason we will put on a number of <a href="http://www.olympusrpg.com/selforganisedlondon/Events.html">events</a>, talks, discussions, film screenings, music nights and much more for the first week (see below). All residents and Londoners are more than welcome to pop in for a cuppa, discuss matters, attend our events or just have a good chat! During this first week we are really happy for people to come mby, have a look around the building and maybe give us a hand with setting up the space, while on the long run, the opening times will be from Wednesdays till Sundays, 2-10 pm.</p><p><strong>Links:</strong> <a href="http://www.selforganisedlondon.org/">Self-Organised London Social Space</a> | <strong>Crews:</strong><br/><a href="http://librarystreetlondon.wordpress.com/>Library Street London</a> | <a href=">No Shoes No Roots</a> | <a href="http://www.diyspaceforlondon.org/">DIY space for London</a></p><p><strong>From the newswire:</strong><br/><a href="/en/2013/02/506451.html">Fight gentrification! Reclaim regeneration! For self-organised spaces...</a> | <a href="/en/2012/10/501640.html">Siege of The Elephant</a> | <a href="/en/2013/01/505967.html">first protest on london shard viewing platform</a> | <a href="/en/2012/11/503427.html">News from the Library Street Social Centre</a> | <a href="/en/2013/02/506215.html">Southwark Council leaks it's own Confidential Regeneration Agreement</a></p>2013-02-23T10:01+02:002013-02-23T10:01:00+00:00Free SpacesLondonUKSelf-Organised LondonenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Secret City: Oxford Screening + Q+A
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506640.html
<p>Celebrating two years of regular film screenings at <a href="http://theoarc.org.uk">OARC</a>, East Oxford Community Centre, Oxford Indymedia presents <a href="http://secretcity-thefilm.com">the new independent film Secret City</a>, on <strong>Sunday 3rd March from 7pm</strong>. For this Oxford Premier, we are pleased to be joined by film makers Lee Salter and Michael Chanan, who will be presenting the film and doing a Q&A session afterwards.</p><p>The City of London is an anomaly in UK democracy. With just 7,000 permanent residents and the lowest car ownership in the country, its own police force, its arcane system of self-government with its Lord Mayor, Livery Companies and Alderman, businesses that have the right to vote and it’s direct accountability to the Crown rather than Parliament, the City houses the one of the Globe's key financial centres and the Inns of Court, the heart of the UK’s legal system. The City is the place where banks, brokers, insurers and other money-makers enjoy their unimpeded ascendancy.</p><p>The <a href="http://occupylondon.org.uk">Occupy LSX movement</a>, which arose in 2011, once again drew public attention to the unprecedented political and financial status the City enjoys; largely unchanged since William the Conqueror's time. Secret City will take us on a tour of key City locations by an Occupy activist, Liam Taylor and delve into the history and mystery of the UK's most powerful centre.</p><p>The night will be held downstairs in the bar where Catweazel Club is normally held, so there will be refreshments on tap and in bottle for the night. Come along and watch the film and celebrate two years of screenings with Oxford Indymedia.</p><p><a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2012/03/494169.html">Article about first year of screenings</a> | <a href="http://films.oximc.org.uk">oarcfilms web site</a> | <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HJGLqMAQbk">Secret City trailer</a> (links to external site) | <a href="http://films.oximc.org.uk/files/2013/02/secret-city-flyer.pdf">screening flyer</a></p>2013-02-17T22:35+02:002013-02-17T22:35:00+00:00IndymediaOccupy EverywhereOxfordASenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Anti-Cuts protesters occupy Birmingham Council House
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506328.html
<p>At 1:30pm on Monday 4th February a group of 20 protesters from the Save Birmingham campaign walked into the Council House and occupied the balcony overlooking Victoria Square. The group had previously sent two letters to every councillor in Birmingham the last letter with over 200 signatures but with no response from the council. The Save Birmingham campaign has been steadily growing over the past few months, from rooms packed full of people opposed to the proposed cuts at several of the councils own consultations to <a href="http://communitiesagainstthecuts.com/2013/01/17/a-huge-success/">a meeting of 175 people called by Communities Against the Cuts</a> to organise a grass roots movement to fight back against the cuts. This led to the day of action on the 4th, the day the Labour Group who have a majority on the Council had a private meeting to agree on the £625m cuts to Birmingham which will be voted through at the budget meeting on 26th February. The day started with a small silent protest in Victoria Square outside the Council House, which was followed by the occupation of the Council House later in the afternoon. The balcony occupation lasted five hours and ended after more than 200 anti-cuts activists arrived in Victoria Square after marching from the Bullring.</p><p><b>On the Newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2013/01/506021.html">Save Birmingham March on the Council House - Don't let them vote through the cuts</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506220.html">Birmingham Council House Occupied</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506256.html">Photos from yesterdays Birmingham Council House Occupation and Demonstration</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2013/02/506278.html">Birmingham Council House Balcony protest</a></p><p><b>Links:</b> <a href="https://savebirmingham.wordpress.com/">Save Birmingham</a></p>2013-02-07T00:43+02:002013-02-07T00:43:00+00:00BirminghamPublic sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKWorkers' MovementsIMC UK FeaturesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8SchNEWS: Battle of Bexhill
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504759.html
<p>Update! A week of direct action against Bexhill link road.</p><blockquote>“We were caught out and a lot of damage has been done – but people have been amazing and now we've have a set of established tree defences and work has stopped for the day at least. We really need support and all the usual wish-list stuff, tools, tarps, ropes etc. So come and give us a Christmas visit” - Combe Haven Defender</blockquote><p><a href="http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/2012/12/19/chainsaws-vs-tree-defenders-day-6-wed-19-dec/">Maps of the planned road</a> (scroll down!) - the camp is at Adams Farm</p><p>Anti-road protestors in Bexhill were ambushed by an early start to the tree felling on the controversial Bexhill-Hastings link road this week, but they rallied and a week of constant direct action has put a spanner in the works, with no work reported today (Saturday 22nd). Work wasn't expected to begin until early January but as soon as East Sussex County Council acquired the land (by compulsory purchase) the chainsaw gangs were set to work.</p><p><strong>From the newswire:</strong> <a href="/en/2012/12/504716.html">Hastings/|Bexhill anti-road camp needs you!</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504636.html">Help Needed Immediately</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504582.html">Anti-road campaigners high in trees at Bexhill and are prepared to stay</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504468.html">Brighton: Emergency meeting</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504283.html">Second Battle of Hastings: Day One... Protestors 10, Road builders 0</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504226.html">Protestors Take To Trees To Stop Chainsaws</a></p>2012-12-23T19:55+02:002012-12-23T19:55:00+00:00Climate ChaosEcologySocial StrugglesSouth CoastUKSchNEWSenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Bradley Manning Takes the Stand: 11 days of Testimony on Abuse at Quantico
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504187.html
<p>Accused WikiLeaks whistleblower <a href="http://www.bradleymanning.org/learn-more/bradley-manning">Bradley Manning</a>, the young American military intelligence analyst with <a href="http://wiseupaction.info/about/">Welsh and Irish roots</a>, gave evidence in person for the first time at Fort Meade, Maryland in a hearing on the Defence's Article 13 <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B_zC44SBaZPoQ2hLa21jNlM0WmM/edit?pli=1">unlawful pretrial punishment motion</a>. The court sat for eleven days between 27 November and 11 December to hear the case that Brad was subject to unlawful pretrial punishment at Quantico brig where he was held for nine months before being transferred to less punitive conditions at Fort Leavenworth in April 2011. Brad's mistreatment at Quantico has <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/12/bradley-manning-cruel-inhuman-treatment-un">already been condemned</a> by the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Juan Mendez. On the strength of evidence of mistreatment, the Defence is calling for all 22 charges Bradley Manning faces in connection with the biggest anti-war whistleblowing act in history to be dropped or, failing that, for any sentence imposed if he is convicted to be substantially reduced. Judgment has been reserved and the ruling of military judge Denise Lind is unlikely before January.</p><p><strong>*NEW*<br/> 12 Jan:</strong> <a href="/en/2012/12/504187">This feature</a> (below) now finalised<br/><strong>12 Jan:</strong> <a href="/en/2013/01/505491.html">Verdict from this hearing</a> Judge declines to dismiss all charges; finds some unlawful pretrial punishment but ignores most; only 112 days sentencing credit awarded.</p><p><strong>On the newswire - Notes from the courtroom:</strong> <a href="/en/2013/01/505491.html">Verdict</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504079.html">11 Dec</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/504048.html">10 Dec</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/503859.html">7 Dec</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/503799.html">6 Dec</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/503784.html">5 Dec</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/503630.html">1-2 Dec</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/503527.html">30 Nov</a> | <a href="/en/2012/12/503661.html">29 Nov</a> | <a href="/en/2012/11/503432.html">27-29 Nov</a> | <strong>London vigil:</strong> 27 Nov <a href="/en/2012/11/503365.html">Report</a> | <a href="/en/2012/11/503176.html">Call-out</a> | <strong>Previous feature:</strong> <a href="/en/2011/04/477983.html">April 2011</a></p><p>This feature has been compiled from the sources listed in the posts above. Read the <a href="/en/2012/12/504187">full article</a> for a summary of the hearing and links to articles by independent journalists and supporters of Bradley Manning</p>.2012-12-13T11:58+02:002012-12-13T11:58:00+00:00Anti-militarismRepressionTerror WarUKWorldWISE UpenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Day of action against Workfare and Starbucks
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504107.html
<p>Saturday 8th December saw two separate days of action happening across the country. The first was the start of a week of action against the governments Workfare scheme. Workfare replaces jobs and undermines wages, this can be seen by <a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1673">Superdrug in Brighton not hiring any Christmas temps</a> because they have free labour from the job centre. The Work Programme actually reduces your chances of finding a job, whilst the Mandatory Work Activity has had no effect on unemployment levels. Since 3rd December, <a href="https://birminghamagainstthecuts.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/today-is-international-disabled-peoples-day-it-is-also-the-day-disabled-people-in-the-uk-can-be-forced-into-unlimited-unpaid-workfare/">disabled people can now be sent on time unlimited workfare placements</a>. If they say no, their <a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1583">benefits will be cut to £28/week indefinitely</a>. Unemployed people who refuse can have their job seekers allowance cut for up to 3 years.</p><p>The second day of action was against Starbucks tax avoidance. Starbucks have not paid any corporation tax in the past 3 years, and only £8.6m in the 14 years they’ve been trading in this country. Costa Coffee, whose turnover last year was £377m, just £21m less than Starbucks paid £15m in corporation tax.</p><p><b>On the newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503903.html">Workfare’s Christmas Bonus For The Bosses</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503910.html">100 people at #Sheffield @ukuncut #Starbucks Action</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503931.html">UK Uncut protest against tax dodgers Starbucks</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503932.html">Anti-Austerity Protest, Manchester Report and Pics</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503938.html">small determined workfare demo in holloway, london yesterday</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503941.html">islington starbucks ukuncut actions yesterday - report & pics 1 of 2</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503948.html">islington starbucks ukuncut actions yesterday - report & pics 2 of 2</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503976.html">Bath Anti-Starbucks Demo</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504029.html">Boycott Workfare day of action</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504045.html">Anti-Workfare Pickets Glasgow Report</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504068.html">Boycott Workfare Video</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504094.html">Starbucks action in Cambridge by UK Uncut</a></p><p><b>Previous Features:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/03/493155.html">Workfare: Enslave us and we'll shut you down!</a></p><p><b>Links:</b> <a href="http://www.boycottworkfare.org/">Boycott Workfare</a> | <a href="http://www.ukuncut.org.uk/">UK Uncut</a></p>2012-12-12T00:35+02:002012-12-12T00:35:00+00:00BirminghamPublic sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKWorkers' MovementsWorkfareIMC UK FeaturesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Oxford peace activists to visit Afghanistan
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/504078.html
<p>Two women from Oxford are amongst <a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2012/12/504010.html">a group of peace activists visiting Afghanistan this month</a>. The delegation aim to spend time meeting and making links with ordinary Afghans, and then raise awareness back in the UK of what they discover.</p><p><em>"We are traveling as friends and equals of the Afghans we will be visiting, not to fix Afghanistan but to fix UK perspectives on Afghanistan"</em> -Mary, one of the group.</p><p>Nine years ago another local peace activist, Paul, moved to Afghanistan to work with the UN, and <a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2004/01/283875.html">sent a series of personal reports</a>, providing a revealing first-hand account of life there.</p><p><a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2012/12/504010.html">UK Peace Activists Visit Afghanistan</a> | <a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2012/12/504804.html">From Cowley Road to Kabul</a> | <a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2012/12/504805.html">First days in Kabul</a> | <a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2012/12/504806.html">Kuchi Refugee Camp in the Shah's Back Yard</a> | <a href="http://oxford.indymedia.org.uk/2004/01/283875.html">Oxford Man in Afghanistan</a><br/> <a href="http://vcnvuk.wordpress.com/">VCNVUK blog</a> | <a href="http://ourjourneytosmile.com/blog/">Afghan Youth Peace Volunteers</a> | <a href="http://globaldaysoflistening.org/">Global Days Of Listening</a> | <a href="http://www.rawa.org/index.php">RAWA</a></p>2012-12-11T15:20+02:002012-12-11T15:20:00+00:00AfghanistanAnti-militarismOxfordc_menTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Capitalist Crisis Creates 'shortfall in waste' in Sheffield.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/12/503679.html
Sheffielders have been diligently sorting their waste for recycling for many years. The idea is to reduce waste going to Landfill and Incineration. As a reward for all their diligence Sheffielders will now have to put up with Veolia importing even more waste from further afield to an Incinerator built in the heart of their City.2012-12-05T15:16+02:002012-12-05T15:16:00+00:00Climate ChaosEcologySheffieldUKIMC SheffieldenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Gaza solidarity
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/11/503149.html
<p>Israel launched a new offensive on the people of Gaza last week which claimed the lives of 162 Palestinians. Four Israeli civilians and one soldier have also died as a result of retaliatory rocket attacks.</p><p><a href="http://www.dci-palestine.org/documents/children make-approximately-23-percent-fatalities-gaza">As of 20th November 23% of Palestinian casualties were children.</a> The youngest victim of the recent Israeli aggression is 11-month-old Omar Al Mashharrawi.</p><p><a href=" https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Iq4XZx9Vj0BDIiWzlHi2mUS0VUOn_t-prgtGGCzatQw/mobilebasic?pli=1">Hundreds of solidarity demonstrations have been held globally</a> and a <a href=" http://www.palestinecampaign.org/index9b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=4&l2_id=99&Content_ID=2892">national demonstration is planned in London on Saturday 24th November</a>. On Friday 16th November <a href="/en/regions/birmingham/2012/11/502930.html">a demonstration was held in Birmingham</a> and another is planned for Thursday 22nd <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/11/503102.html">outside the BBC offices</a> to protest biased reporting. In Brighton on Saturday 17th November activists <a href="/en/2012/11/502916.html?c=on#c289499">locked on to the Ecostream store</a>, a shop owned by an Israeli company that has its main manufacturing facility in the West Bank settlement of Mishor Adumim. Later on a hundred strong crowd marched to the store and held a noisy demonstration outside the shop. On Monday 19th a <a href="/en/2012/11/502929.html">phone and twitter blockade</a> of the company was held.</p><p>The same day in Wrexham activists <a href="/en/2012/11/502946.html">picketed Barclays Bank</a> in protest at Barclays investments in companies supplying weapons to Israel.</p><p>On Tuesday 20th a group of solidarity activists <a href="/en/2012/11/503087.html">occupied G4S</a> headquarters over the company's contracts with the Israeli prison service as well as providing equipment and services to Israeli military checkpoints and maintaining contracts with businesses working in Israel's settlements.</p><p>The 'Don't Dance with Israeli Apartheid' campaign held <a href=" http://www.boycottisraelnetwork.net/?p=1837">demonstrations against London performances of the Israeli state sponsored Batsheva dance troupe at Sadlers Wells</a> on the 19th-21st November as part of a coordinated international campaign. There were also protests <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/11/502808.html">both inside and outside of the Birmingham performances at the Hippodrome</a> on the 14-15th November coinciding with the start of the latest Gaza massacre.</p><p>Palestinians in the West Bank have also been demonstrating in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Gaza, only to be met with typical Israeli oppression. On Saturday, 31-year-old Rushdi Tamimi was shot by an IDF soldier at a protest in the village of Nabi Saleh. He died of his wounds in hospital on Monday around the time news surfaced that Hamdi Mohammad Jawwad Al-Falah, 22, was killed after being shot four times during a demonstration in the Bir al-Mahjar neighborhood in western Hebron. A baby also died in hospital on Monday after an Israeli tear gas canister landed in his bedroom in Qalandia refugee camp.</p><p>A ceasefire was reached on Wednesday 21st of November. However, the conflict is likely to continue if Israel does not end its siege of Gaza and attempts to control the Gazan economy. The need for solidarity with the people of Palestine struggling against Israeli militarism, apartheid and occupation has never been greater.</p><p><strong>Upcoming events</strong>: Thursday 22nd November - Gaza solidarity demo in Brighton at the Old Steine at 5pm and Die In on the BBC Steps at the Mailbox in Birmingham 6pm-7pm| <a href="http://www.boycottisraelnetwork.net/?p=1882">23rd/24th November - Don't Dance with Israeli apartheid demos in Plymouth</a>| Hebden Bridge Gaza solidarity demo - meet at the Central Intersection at 5pm| <a href="http://www.palestinecampaign.org/index9b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=4&l2_id=99&Content_ID=2892">24th November - Mass Gaza Solidarity demo in London</a>| Sunday 25th - Demo at Ecostream, Western Rd, Brighton, 1-3pm</p>2012-11-22T11:34+02:002012-11-22T11:34:00+00:00Anti-militarismBirminghamLondonPalestineSouth CoastUKWalesWorldenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Anarchist movement grows in Cardiff after month of resistance
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/502079.html
<p>The month began with the <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711041">successful eviction resistance</a> of the squatted social centre <a href="http://welcometogremlinalley.wordpress.com">Gremlin Alley</a> on October 4th, when bailiffs turned up faced with a barricaded building and a supportive crowd outside, eventually realising they had no hope of gaining access. The gremlins occupying the centre <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711041?&condense_comments=false#comment57112">spent the rest of the day</a> having a black bloc style party on the roof, while supporters partied to a <a href="http://soundcloud.com/inconsiderateparking">local band</a> who turned up to play, and cops kept their distance but remained present for most of the day. A <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711053">communique</a> followed the next day, expressing solidarity with imprisoned squatter <a href="http://www.schnews.org.uk/stories/Haigh-Stacked/">Alex Haigh</a> and the <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/500921.html">Cuts Cafe crew</a> in London who were raided by <span class="caps">TSG</span> on the same evening. A <a href="http://welcometogremlinalley.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/cyfathrebiad-fideo-gan-y-gremlins-video-communique-from-the-gremlins/">video commmunique</a> was then released the following week, in English and Welsh, explaining the reason for resisting, as well as expressing general disgust for the state and the increased criminalisation of homeless.</p><p>After a busy two weeks improving barricades by gremlins and supporters, the first attempt to deport the <a href="http://38degrees.uservoice.com/forums/78585-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/3271991-save-fariman-saleh-and-her-two-children">Saleh family</a> occured on Thursday 18th, with their home being <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1NXwTOnzp8">raided by UKBA officers</a> and two activists being arrested for obstruction. While solidarity was shown for the activists at Cardiff Bay police station, others made an attempt to block the detainees coach on the motorway sliproad, followed by a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SaveSalehFamily/posts/395054117233056">successful communications blockade</a> of Egypt Air’s telephone lines and their facebook page. The family avoided deportation that day due to a security mix-up, and were instead taken to Cedars detention centre in West Sussex. By the morning, Friday 18th, <span class="caps">UKBA</span> offices in Cardiff had its windows smashed – no doubt in response to the attempted deportation, signifying <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711390">more resistance to come</a>.</p><p><strong>Related articles:</strong> <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711041">Gremlin Alley EVICTION RESISTANCE happening now</a> (<a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711041?&condense_comments=false#comment57112">UPDATE - 3pm</a>) | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711053">Communique :: The Gremlins are still resisting in Cardiff</a> | <a href="http://welcometogremlinalley.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/cyfathrebiad-fideo-gan-y-gremlins-video-communique-from-the-gremlins/">Video Communique from the Gremlins</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711390">Timeline of anti-deportation resistance in support of the Saleh family</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501766.html">Shroukie’s family LATEST: coach blocked for 5 hours, fingers crossed ...</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711433">Prisoner Art Tour Launch Night This Friday in Cardiff</a> | <a href="http://abccardiff.wordpress.com/2012/10/31/legal-training-evening-red-black-umbrella/">Legal Training Evening @ Red & Black Umbrella</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/711435">Red & Black Umbrella 1 Year Anniversary Halloween Bash + Gig!</a></p><p><strong>Links:</strong> <a href="http://welcometogremlinalley.wordpress.com">Gremlin Alley Social Centre</a> | <a href="http://noborderswales.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/saleh-family-action-report-and-update/">No Borders South Wales on Saleh Family</a> | <a href="http://ncadc.org.uk/blog/2012/10/instead-of-protection-the-saleh-familys-ordeal-continued-in-the-uk/">NCADC on Saleh Family</a> | <a href="http://38degrees.uservoice.com/forums/78585-campaign-suggestions/suggestions/3271991-save-fariman-saleh-and-her-two-children">Save Mrs S and Her Two Children @ 38 Degrees</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SaveSalehFamily/">Save the Saleh Family</a> | <a href="http://abccardiff.wordpress.com">Cardiff Anarchist Black Cross</a> | <a href="http://abccardiff.wordpress.com/defendant-solidarity/">Cardiff Defendant Solidarity</a> | <a href="http://redandblackumbrella.squat.net/">Red & Black Umbrella</a></p>2012-10-31T23:29+02:002012-10-31T23:29:00+00:00Social StrugglesUKWalesIMC UK FeaturesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8October 20th Anti-Austerity Demonstration
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501777.html
<p>Saturday’s October 20th "March for a future that works" demonstration organised by the TUC saw over 150,000 out on the streets of London to protest the government's cuts and austerity measures. It's been almost a year since the TUC leadership tried to look like they were actively opposing the cuts and well over a year since the last big demo. The organisers sent out a somewhat mixed message by first calling for a general strike but then allowing Ed Miliband a platform to announce he'll carry on cutting where the Tories leave off if elected.</p><p>The demonstration also saw hundreds of black bloc and Boycott Workfare activists target Oxford Street stores that use workfare and tax avoidance, whilst DPAC activists successfully blockaded Park Lane.</p><p><b>On the Newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501664.html">October 20: The view from Oxford Circus</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501609.html">#Oct20 150,000 on TUC demo PHOTOS</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501593.html">unions cuts march and london anti-workfare actions - pics & report</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501592.html">Oct20: we got work to do ...</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501577.html">March For A Future That Works</a></p><p><b>Previous Features:</b> <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/12/489650.html">SchNEWS: One Strike and You're Out?</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/11/488574.html">"You Can Shove Your Rubber Bullets Up Your Arse!": 'Total Policing' of N9 Demos</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/03/476754.html">Anti-cuts protesters take over London</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/03/476285.html">March 26th - All out against the cuts</a></p>2012-10-24T11:07+02:002012-10-24T11:07:00+00:00Public sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKWorkers' MovementsWorkfareIMC UK FeaturesenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Plebs protest at Conservative Party Conference
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/501166.html
<p>The Conservative Party Conference came to Birmingham this week and was met with almost daily protests from angry plebs. But whilst the protests where going on outside, inside the class warfare was turned up a notch after it was announced that a further £10billion will be cut from welfare and that the government plan on scrapping workers rights in exchange for offering them "shares" by their employer. These rights such as protection from unlawful dismissal, flexible working time and maternity leave have been won by workers struggling hard over the past 100 years for a decent standard of living. To add salt to the wound, the announcement delivered by George Osborne came with the Orwellian Doublespeak "workers of the world unite". Well if that’s what he wants …</p><p><b>On the Newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/500778.html">Welcome The Tories To Birmingham</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/500993.html">Lobby Tory Conference re Ballymurphy Massacre | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/501030.html">Picket the Bigots - Tory Party Conference</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/501034.html">Badger Cull Tory Conference</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/501055.html">Hunt Saboteurs protest against badger cull at Tory Party Conference</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/501076.html">Remploy Demonstration At Tory Party Conference – 8:30am Wednesday</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/501093.html">Tory Conference Demo</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/09/500699.html">Badger Cull Campaigners to Target Conservative Party Conference</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/10/501163.html">Sacked Remploy Workers Demonstrate For Their Jobs</a></a></p>2012-10-11T22:38+02:002012-10-11T22:38:00+00:00BirminghamPublic sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKWorkers' MovementsUK IndymediaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Week of Action to Ground the Drones
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/500811.html
<p>To coincide with <a href="http://www.space4peace.org/actions/ksfpw12.htm">International Keep Space for Peace Week</a> (from 6th - 13th October) the <a href="http://dronecampaignnetwork.wordpress.com/">Drone Campaign Network</a> is calling <a href="/en/2012/09/500281.html">a week of action</a> on the growing use of drones.</p><p>While <a href="http://dronewarsuk.wordpress.com/2012/09/18/mapping-drone-proliferation-big-business-vs-the-mtcr/">over seventy countries now possess drones</a>, so far only the UK, the US and Israel are known to have used armed drones. The <a href="http://dronewarsuk.wordpress.com/uk-drone-strike-list/">UK has launched over 300 drones strikes in Afghanistan</a> but there is little public information about these strikes. <a href="http://www.hrw.org/news/2009/06/30/israel-misuse-drones-killed-civilians-gaza">Israel regularly launches drone attacks in Gaza</a> and the US has been using drones in Iraq, Afghanistan, <a href="http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/category/projects/drones/">Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen</a>. It is suspected, but not confirmed that US drones have also undertaken <a href="http://dronewarsuk.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/drone-strikes-widening-mystery-airstrikes-reported-in-mali-and-the-philippines/">strikes in Mali and Philippines</a> this year.</p><p>Protests against the growing use of drones have taken place in <a href="http://dawn.com/2012/09/23/waziristan-peace-march-will-help-to-halt-drone-strikes-says-imran-khan/">Pakistan</a> and <a href="http://davidkretzmann.com/2011/11/anti-drone-protests-in-yemen/">Yemen</a> and protests have been growing in the UK and the US over the past year. [ <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/708192">1</a> | <a href="/en/2012/06/497448.html">2</a> | <a href="http://dronewarsuk.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/ground-the-drones-week-of-action/">3</a> | <a href="http://dissenter.firedoglake.com/2012/04/22/drone-protesters-preemptively-arrested-before-reaching-hancock-air-force-base/">4</a> ]</p><p><strong>On the newswire:</strong> <a href="/en/2012/09/500281.html">Ground the Drones Week of Action announcement</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/500543.html">Drones Week of Action events listings</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/500603.html">The faceless face of military drones at Menwith Hill: 9 October</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/500739.html">Veterans for Peace action at General Atomics</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/500612.html">Terrorist drones come to Lincolnshire – drones peace walk</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/500761.html">Drones and Thrones – A London Diary</a><br/></p><p><strong>Links:</strong> <a href="http://www.dronecampaignnetwork.org.uk/">Drone Campaign Network | <a href="http://www.dronewars.net/">Drone Wars UK</a> | <a href="http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/category/projects/drones/">TBIJ Covert War on Terror</a></a></p>2012-10-01T18:45+02:002012-10-01T18:45:00+00:00AfghanistanAnti-militarismPalestineTerror WarUKDrone Campaign NetworkenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Campaigners mobilising to fight 'hundreds of new roads'
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/09/500521.html
<p>Campaigners are hoping to kick-start opposition to 'hundreds of new roads' with actions in <a href="/en/2012/09/500194.html">Twyford Down</a> and <a href="/en/2012/09/499995.html">Hastings</a> this weekend.</p><p>Government and local councils are planning to spend billions of pounds on dozens of new roads over the next few years, and new 'growth' funds and devolved spending powers for local councils threaten to add <a href="http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/campaigns/roads-to-nowhere">hundreds more disastrous projects</a> to this list.</p><p>In the 1990s, what was in effect a popular uprising [ <a href="/en/2004/02/285484.html">1</a> | <a href="http://www.roadblock.org.uk/alarmuk/roadblock.html">2</a> | <a href="http://www.cartoonkate.co.uk/books/Copse/">3</a> ] brought Tory plans for ‘the greatest road-building programme since the Romans’ to a screeching halt.</p><p>Could this weekend's actions be the beginning of a new upsurge of anti-roads protests?</p><p><strong>On the newswire</strong>: <a href="/en/2012/09/500484.html">Local residents camp & rally against Bexhill-Hastings link road</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/500194.html">Twyford anniversary action</a> | <a href="/en/2012/09/499995.html">Stop the Road! Rally & Camp</a> | <a href="/en/2012/05/495854.html">Parking the car … for good</a> | <a href="http://london.indymedia.org/articles/11869">Bikes alive bike blockade at King's Cross</a> | <a href="/en/2012/01/490997.html">Video of Bikes Alive! Protest</a> | <a href="http://bristol.indymedia.org/article/707842">Climate Rush give cake to Sustrans</a> | <a href="/en/2012/01/490896.html">'bikes alive' action at kings x tomorrow</a> | <a href="/en/2011/09/485150.html">No to Road Building</a> | <a href="/en/2004/02/285484.html">Tenth anniversary of the siege of Wanstonia M11 link rd</a> | <a href="/en/2003/06/273445.html">Pics from Arundel 2nd bypass protest march</a><br/> <strong>Links</strong>: <a href="http://combehavendefenders.wordpress.com/">Combe Haven Defenders</a> | <a href="http://hastingsalliance.com/">Hastings Alliance</a> | <a href="http://www.bettertransport.org.uk/">Campaign for Better Transport</a> | <a href="http://www.bicycology.org.uk/">Bicycology</a></p>2012-09-25T19:08+02:002012-09-25T19:08:00+00:00EcologySouth CoastUKCombe Haven DefendersenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Homeless campaigners squat council house
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/08/499393.html
<p>Birmingham Tenants & Homeless Action Group have occupied an abandoned council house with the intention of handing it over to a homeless person. They've contacted the council and demanded that they put the property back into use as low cost social housing and then do the same with the other nearly 12,000 empty properties around the city. Otherwise they have said that despite changes to the law on squatting they will continue with occupations of the other empty properties with the intention of handing them over to the homeless. With <a href="http://emptyhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/empty-homes-stats-20111.xls">11,924 empty properties</a>, <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jun/09/homelessness-england-data">the highest rate of homelessness in the country</a> and an estimate by city planners that Birmingham is currently short of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jan/01/housing-benefits-cuts-rents-study">11,000</a> affordable homes, putting the abandoned houses back into use is the only logical step</p><p><b>Previous Features:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/08/499078.html">Birmingham's Homeless Crises</a></p><p><b>On the newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/08/499326.html">Tenants & Homeless seize abandoned council house</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/08/499331.html">Birmingham Tenants & Homeless Action Group - What we are doing</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/08/499365.html">Squatting sleepover! Homeless but not helpless!</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/08/499134.html">Police arresting homeless in Birmingham</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/497351.html">First eviction protest for B.E.R.N</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/07/497604.html">VIDEO Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network first eviction protest</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/05/495834.html">Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network meeting</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/12/489667.html">Food not Bombs every Sunday at Holloway Circus</a> | <a href="http://vimeo.com/31752377">VIDEO FNB in Victoria Square</a></p><p><b>Links:</b> <a href="http://www.bthag.co.uk/">Birmingham Tenants & Homeless Action Group</a> | <a href="https://network23.org/bern/">Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network</a> | <a href="https://network23.org/brumfnb/">Birmingham Food not Bombs</a></p>2012-08-30T15:33+02:002012-08-30T15:33:00+00:00BirminghamPublic sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKUK IndymediaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Birmingham's Homeless Crises
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/08/499078.html
Birmingham has the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jun/09/homelessness-england-data">highest rate of homelessness in the country</a> and the West Midlands the highest rate of any region outside of London. With hostels and housing services struggling to keep up with the demand for shelter and support due to average funding cuts of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/28/homeless-crisis-funding-cuts-charities">15% and the loss of 1 in 10 staff</a> the people most in need of support, often with mental illness or substance abuse are not getting the help they need. On top of this the government has forced though a law to make squatting residential properties illegal (despite Birmingham having <a href="http://emptyhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/empty-homes-stats-20111.xls">11,924 empty homes</a>) meaning there is currently a real homeless crisis in Birmingham that could get a lot worse. Especially if the 34,000 people in Birmingham who claim housing benefit find they cannot afford to pay the rent as Housing Benefit is slowly replaced by Local Housing Allowance and cuts to child tax credits go ahead.<br/><br/> <p><b>Update 19/8/12:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/08/499134.html">Police arresting homeless in Birmingham</a></p><p><b>On the Newswire:</b> <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/497438.html">Brum FnB at the Birmingham Social Centre</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/497351.html">First eviction protest for B.E.R.N</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/496989.html">BERN BABY BERN fundraiser for Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/05/495834.html">Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network meeting</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/02/492626.html">Food is a right not a privilege – statement of solidarity</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/12/489667.html">Food not Bombs every Sunday at Holloway Circus</a> | <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/10/486707.html">Birmingham Food Not Bombs is back</a></p><p><b>Videos:</b> <a href="http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/07/497604.html">Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network first eviction protest</a> | <a href="http://vimeo.com/31752377">FNB in Victoria Square</a></p><p><b>Links:</b> <a href="https://network23.org/brumfnb/">Brum Food not Bombs</a> | <a href="https://network23.org/bern/">Birmingham Eviction Resistance Network</a></p>2012-08-17T14:20+02:002012-08-17T14:20:00+00:00BirminghamFree SpacesPublic sector cutsSocial StrugglesUKBirmingham Food not BombsenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Police arrest 182 at Olympics critical mass in London
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/08/498692.html
<p>While the London 2012 Olympic open ceremony was underway on Friday 27th July, there was a massive police and military operation underway, which included the use of CS gas, to contain and eventually arrest 182 <a href="http://www.criticalmasslondon.org.uk/">London critical mass</a> cyclists. The cyclists were held in a police kettle for two hours, handcuffed in buses for three hours and held in a police cell from six hours to two days. Out of 182 cyclists, only 3 have been charged with any offence. However, all have bail conditions imposed on them until September 18th 2012 restricting their freedom to move, assemble, associate and live their lives. Some groups have issued <a href="http://london.indymedia.org/articles/12657">advice</a> that the bail conditions may breach Articles 10 & 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. They point out that "breaching bail conditions is not a criminal offence."</p><p>A <a href="http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/metropolitan-police-criminal-justice-system-uk-justice-for-the-critical-mass-182">petition for justice for the 182</a> has been launched with the following demands:</p><ol><li>All bail conditions should be discharged</li><li>All data including DNA, fingerprint, addresses etc taken from those cyclists should be removed from all paper and comupter records of police & other agencies.</li><li>An independent review of the police behaviour on Friday 27th July should be conducted as a matter of urgency.</li></ol><p><strong>Articles: <a href="http://london.indymedia.org/articles/12612">Olympic critical mass - report and pics</a> | <a href="/en/2012/08/498532.html">Arrests in Critical Mass during Olympics ceremony</a> | <a href="/en/2012/07/498324.html">Mass Arrest</a> | <a href="/en/2012/07/498319.html">Critcal mass</a> | <a href="http://www.schnews.org.uk/stories/Mass-Arrest-of-the-Week/">SchNEWS: Mass Arrest of the Week</a></strong></p>2012-08-05T20:43+02:002012-08-05T20:43:00+00:00LondonPolicingRepressionUKUK IndymediaenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Citizens' Weapons Inspectors lock-on outside EDO MBM
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/07/498048.html
<p>On Monday 16th July 2012 Smash EDO held a Citizen's Weapons Inspection' of EDO. Kent, Sussex and Hampshire Police used new Police Liaison Officers and a steel wall against demonstrators.</p>Despite this, activists dressed in white suits managed to breach the police cordon and hang banners outside the factory gates and close down the industrial estate by locking-on to the police cordon.<br/><br/> <p>On Sunday 15th July Smash EDO hosted a gathering against the G8, launching a new network. There will be a workshop to plan action against the G8 at <a href="http://earthfirstgathering.weebly.com/">Earth First</a> and the next gathering will be 22nd September in Birmingham.</p><p><strong>Links</strong>: <a href="http://www.smashedo.org.uk">Smash EDO</a>| <a href="http://www.fitwatch.org.uk/">FITwatch</a>| <a href="http://i.imgur.com/7UUhH.jpg">Mainstream media coverage</a></p><p><strong>From the Newswire</strong>: <a href="/en/2012/07/497905.html">Call to kettle the police at Smash EDO's Citizen's Weapons Inspection</a>| <a href="/en/2012/07/498015.html">Pics</a>| <a href="/en/2012/07/498006.html">Update</a>| <a href="/en/2012/07/498042.html">Future Smash EDO events</a></p>2012-07-18T10:11+02:002012-07-18T10:11:00+00:00AfghanistanAnti-militarismPalestineSmash EDOSouth CoastUKWorldenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Pebble Mill Social Centre
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/07/497918.html
<p>The Pebble Mill social centre is the latest squatted social centre project by the Birmingham Social Centre collective. Last year the group made up of local squatters and activists took over the Whit Marley, an unused factory in Stirchley and reclaimed it for the local community.</p><p>The Pebble Mill Social Club was part of the BBC Pebble Mill studios site in Edgbaston, Birmingham and has been left empty for 8 years. The building has now been reclaimed and hosts regular events.</p><p><b>Update 14/07/12:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/07/497939.html">Pebble Mill Social Centre Evicted</a></p><p><b>Newswire:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/497398.html">Birmingham Social Centre is back</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/497438.html">Brum FnB at the Birmingham Social Centre</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/06/497440.html">Garden day @ Brum Social Centre – This Saturday 12pm onwards</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/07/497606.html">Pebble Mill Social Centre survives flash flooding</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2012/07/497631.html">Support The Spanish Miners Benefit - Fri 13th July</a></p><p><b>Previous social centres in Birmingham:</b> <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2011/07/482352.html">Why are we in the Whit Marley?</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2006/08/347499.html">The Cottage Occupied Social Centre</a> | <a href="https://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/birmingham/2005/03/306375.html">Birmingham Social Centre Reclaimed for Community</a></p><p><b>Links:</b> <a href="http://www.brumsocialcentre.com/">Brum Social Centre</a></p>2012-07-13T13:48+02:002012-07-13T13:48:00+00:00BirminghamFree SpacesSocial StrugglesIMC BirminghamenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8Call to kettle the police at Smash EDO's Citizen's Weapons Inspection
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/07/497905.html
<p>At 1pm on Monday 16th July a group of concerned citizens from Brighton and beyond will be attempting to inspect the EDO MBM factory in Moulsecoomb to further highlight the factory’s complicity in the murder of innocent civilians around the world.</p><p>It has <a href="/en/actions/2008/edo/">long been known</a> that this local company has links with illegal and immoral arms deals and Smash EDO intend to hold them to account. <a href="/en/2009/01/418834.html">In January 2009 six activists broke in and successfully decommissioned the factory</a> and then waited to be arrested by the police. At their <a href="/en/2010/07/454845.html">later trial</a> a jury found that their actions were entirely legal as they were acting to prevent war crimes against civilians in Gaza.</p><p>This mass action is part of an ongoing <a href="/en/2012/04/495510.html">'Summer of Resistance'</a> which has seen almost daily actions by protesters against the factory in May and June and which will continue until the end of July.</p><p>Demonstrators will converge at the Level at 1pm.</p><p>A call has been made to FITwatchers to <a href="/en/2012/07/497774.html">kettle the police</a> and to sabotage their new tactic of using Police Liaison Officers to pacify the crowd.</p><p>The day before the demo anti-capitalists will be converging in Brighton for a day of <a href="/en/2012/07/497875.html">plotting and scheming against the 2013 G8</a>, to be held in the UK</p><p><strong>Links:</strong> <a href="www.smashedo.org.uk">Smash EDO</a> | <a href="http://www.fitwatch.org.uk/">FITwatch</a></p><p><strong>Local Contacts for the Weapons Inspection:</strong> London: hammertimelondon@dsei.org | Bristol: smashedobristol@riseup.net | Manchester: manchesteragainstmilitarism@gmail.com | Swansea: d@undercurrents.org</p>2012-07-13T09:56+02:002012-07-13T09:56:00+00:00AfghanistanAnti-militarismPalestineSouth CoastUKWorldenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8International campaign against G4S gathers momentum
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/07/497745.html
<p>Campaigners in the UK and Sweden have taken various actions against G4S over the last month. Meanwhile, various discussions and meetings are taking place to coordinate efforts aimed at forcing the multinational security giant to halt its “unlawful and criminal activities”, as well as to put pressure on public authorities to withdraw from and not award new contracts to the notorious company.</p><p><strong>Related:</strong> <a href="http://corporatewatch.org/?lid=4343">Many reasons to stop G4S</a> | <a href="/media/2012/06/496831.pdf">G4S Alternative Annual Report</a></p><p><strong>Links:</strong> <a href="http://corporatewatch.org">Corporate Watch</a> | <a href="http://notog4s.blogspot.co.uk">No to G4S</a></p>2012-07-07T21:33+02:002012-07-07T21:33:00+00:00Anti-militarismMigrationPalestinePolicingPublic sector cutsUKCorporate WatchenTexttext/html; charset=UTF-8