UK Newswire Archive
Subvert 2010 - opening night
07-10-2010 20:23
food, film and discussion...SUBVERT 2010 a festival of resistance
October 8 to 10th, Bristol, south-west U.K, brought to you by the Bastard Squad Collective
Friday 8th: Film showing, with vegan cafe, from 8pm @ 28 Portland Square, St Pauls, Bristol BS2 8RU (ring bell at green side door)
"Behind the Screams" - a documentary by Martin Sorrondeguy (of hardcore bands LOS CRUDOS and LIMP WRIST) about the U.S Latino/Chicago punk scene, politicized by racism and poverty, their relationship with South American bands, the D.I.Y ethic and the social issues tying them in with broader communities. Leads into an open discussion;
“More Than Music? - subculture and movement”, a discussion where we hope to share perspectives on how we can best use subversive currents to participate in social struggles.
Check http://bastardsquadcollective.wordpress.com for a map of the venues, any further updates, and other Bastard Squad Collective projects. Any questions email the B/squad.
Please forward widely! See you there!!!
South-West Punks for Social Change
Report of actions during the No Border
07-10-2010 19:30
The No Border camp in Brussels has been subject to harsh punishment, this repression prevented the majority of public actions (such as Wednesday and Friday demos or the "game-action" on Thursday) and a lot of others. Despite this repression and the violence in the police stations, a few actions took place during the week. This is an attempt to list it... To be completed?Crude Awakening; more info revealed
07-10-2010 19:26
The countdown is on… 10 days to go!
If you don’t have time to read the newsletter: the most important thing is SIGN UP NOW for your bloc at http://www.crudeawakening.org.uk/node/1
In this newsletter:
1. Bloc updates
2. Practicalities: what to bring and legal info
3. 10 targets… that just missed our short-list
4. Why oil?
5. Build up events
6. New videos: the why and how of direct action
7. Facebook
1. Bloc updates
The Body Bloc is morphing, and bodies and stilts are being joined by a whole lot more… check out all the latest (and sign up!):
A carnival of life, death, fun and resistance; turning the world upside down and making the impossible possible.
This bloc will be home to day of the dead stilt walkers, the Giant Chalk Army, the Noise Brigade, Rhythms of Resistance and a team of colourful web weavers.
This bloc welcomes anyone and everyone who has the imagination to envisage a world beyond oil, everyone who loves carnival and everyone who is prepared to use their bodies, linked together, to reclaim space. Bring carnival, circus, creativity, costume and a healthy does of mischief!
All you have to bring is your body – everyone is welcome.
Bloc pages are being updated regularly, so keep your eyes peeled on the website and if you haven’t already, choose your bloc and sign up! http://crudeawakening.org.uk/node/12
2. Practicalities
What to bring:
* A pre-bought zone 1-2 travelcard, or an Oyster card (although if you have a registered card, and if you mind that your journeys are tracked on that card, you might want to consider getting an unregistered one)
* Check the weather forecast. We’ll be outside at least some of the time so if you want to stay dry bring waterproofs and warm clothes.
* Central London is a big rip off so think about bringing your own food, water and a tenner for emergencies.
* Things to contribute to your bloc. This is entirely up to you – you can just bring yourself, as you are; or perhaps something that fits with the bloc’s theme (totally optional and totally up to you!); or bring materials to create, decorate, and hold space. Check out the bloc pages for suggestions (remember, you need to be able to walk with whatever it is and bring it on the tube!), think about how the police might respond to what you’re carrying, and don’t bring things that could be construed (however wrongly) as a weapon. And check out the…
Legal brief - http://crudeawakening.org.uk/node/20
Is now up on the website. It has essential info and sound advice. Read it. ‘Nuff said.
3. 10 targets… that just missed our short-list
London is a petropolis: a city running on oil. From slickers in the city to London’s clogged up streets; from the hundreds of petrol stations to the headquarters of Big Oil. Around every corner is another target in the struggle to kick our oil addiction.
There are so many possible targets that inevitably some places didn’t make the cut. But to give you a flavour of London’s oil web, the Crude Awakening presents: the 10 targets which just missed our short list.
Here’s the list – see the website for more: http://www.crudeawakening.org.uk/node/24
- The British Museum
- 3i Private Equity
- Nexen Energy
- Export Credit Guarantee Department
- HSBC Headquarters
- Chevron’s London HQ
- Park Lane car dealerships
- Ministry of Defence
- Legal and General
- Petrol stations across London
4. Why oil?
Why are we doing all this anyway? Some thoughts here:
http://www.crudeawakening.org.uk/node/7
5. Build up events
*Edinburgh*
Planning meeting for the Edinburgh Crude Awakening: Thursday, 7 October, 5.30 – 7PM, 48a Lower, Pleasance
Edinburgh is organising its own Crude Awakening on the 16th – come along and get involved in making it happen. We want as many people and organisations to be involved in planning the Edinburgh based action as possible, so everyone and anyone welcome at the planning meeting! More info: Email Francesco at evneb87@gmail.com
*London*
Monkey Business Training
Saturday, 9 October, 2pm (starting promptly) – 4pm
London Fields (Southern end near Broadway market)
Inspired by a mischievous monkey from Brighton (http://www.blip.tv/file/4158517) we are planning an open training to learn how to erect his exciting new toy! Come and spend a couple of hours building, playing and limbering up for the day of crude awakening action to halt the flow of oil across this city. Even if you’re not interested in the monkey tactic, the afternoon will be a good moment to meet others and build confidence in working and playing together. Wear suitable clothes and footwear that won’t interfere with monkeying around.
And finally – if your a fan of radical psychogeography (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychogeography), London Fields is a perfect location. It was here that, back in the 90s, folk from Reclaim the Streets set up and tested the world’s first scaffold pole tripod - a tool that was then seen sprouting up across the world. The psychogeographical links of land and history may give us luck for the day of action!
This training is brought to you by an affinity group that is planning to join up with the Building Bloc, so if that’s the bloc that rocks your branch, then the training is also a good place to meet other affinity groups from that bloc.
Get ready to go APE and see you in the Park!
Capture the Flag at the Shell Centre
Sunday, 10 October, 8:00pm - 10:00pm
ATTENTION | Calling all comrades
PRESENTING | A Crude Awakening Rabble Rouser: BOSSES vs. WORKERS vs. SKELETONS
Come one, come all to this physical and mental warm-up for urban escapades, incursions into forbidden territory, defending space and affinity from buddy to bloc level. As night falls, we will bring our laughter, ingenuity and affinity to the dehumanised space of a dehumanised company. As Shell bosses slip into oily dreams, we will train for resistance together. As we play, we will learn to reclaim what is ours.
BRING | lovers/brothers/mothers and all other non-rhyming comrades
*Lewes*
Crude Awakening Creation Weekend
10 AM on Sat 9 October to 7PM on Sun 10 October
Weekend of mass creation – Banner making and visual artillery for the Crude Awakening. Bring ideas, energy and art materials you may need tho we also have some… A crafty and resourceful space to co-align, design, and rehearse the activities and props that can be part of the “Body Bloc” and “Dirty Money Bloc” for the Crude Awakening
+ Twilight game of Capture the Flag through the cobbled terrain of Lewes. (But dependent on weather and numbers)
+ Direct Action training on Sun afternoon.
Crash space available on Saturday night.
Venue: POP UP STUDIOS, North Street, Lewes, East Sussex (pretty near the bus and
train station). Invite your friends to the Facebook event:
facebook.com/event.php?eid=13040968...
More info: 07894 153 584
*Manchester*
Direct Action Training
Saturday 9th October, 12 – 6PM, Manchester Students Union.
Public ’dis’order training. Prepare for the Crude Awakening by doing your own action! Learn why and how to do mass direct action with workshops and affinity group building
6. New videos
Two new videos, fresh from last weekend’s planning workshops in London. The why and the how of direct action – good to get us thinking about why we choose direct action as a tactic, and how we can use various techniques to hold space.
http://crudeawakening.org.uk/node/9
7. Facebook
Don’t forget to sign up to the Crude Awakening Facebook page and invite all your friends… and if you’re feeling all fired up, why not change your profile pic for this week to something pink and Crude-y? Sign up and grab the graphic at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crude-Awakening/142738315766233
That’s all for this week!
PS. Did we mention sign up sign up sign up sign up sign up sign up to your bloc? ;)
One day before Sheffield Free School a tail of homelessness in Sheffield
07-10-2010 18:58
Gamu update
07-10-2010 18:23
I just wanted to post a link to a more accurate article about the situation of Gamu Nhengu, the x-factor entrant, who is possibly facing having her visa refused.
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/blog/index.php/2010/10/tnyawanza/gamu-nhengus...
Call for "Procedure of registration for Gypsy/Travellers".
07-10-2010 18:23
Aberdeen Press and Journal reader calls for "A procedure of registration for Gypsy/Travellers".
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1951853?UserKey&UserKey=
Public Consultation on open cast mining in Cossall
07-10-2010 17:24
UK Coal to hold public consultation meeting on plans to open cast coal in Nottinghamshire. Meetings will be at Trowell Parish Hall 17th October 10am till 2pm and 21st October Awsworth Village Hall 4pm till 8pm
Last year the Evening Post ran an article based on information gathered by a Freedom of Information request that UK Coal were intending to put an application to open cast mine for coal in Cossall (between Trowell and IKEA). The article was a bit previous since nothing happened. Howevewr it was not wrong. Yesterday I got a phone call from the local MP to say that UK Coal are holding a public consultation meeting to show us all how really open cast mining is nothing to worry about and all the stories about lorries, pollution and health effects are just scaremongering. This is the first step. After that comes (techy jargon alert) a scoping report and an environmental impact assessment - this has to be submitted with the planning application. So, we need loads of people at the public consultation meetings to show that UK Coal are not welcome in Nottinghamshire.
Dates are: Sunday 17th Oct Trowell Parish Hall, Stapleford Road 10am till 2pm
Thursday 21st October Awsworth Village Hall, The Lane, Awsworth 4pm till 8pm
Freeskilling Tuesday 12 October - Meditations for Inner & Outer Peace
07-10-2010 17:22
7pm Better Food Company, Sevier Street, St Werburghs, Bristol, BS2 9QS.Hi all,
Next week's freeskilling is 'Meditations for Inner & Outer Peace', with Kelsan Chonden.
Kelsan has practised Kadampa Buddhism for 19 years, and teaches at the Amitabha Buddhist Centre at Old Vicarage, Gloucester Road, Bishopston. He has offerred to share with us the basics of how to meditate, and how to apply meditation to solving our human problems.
All welcome.
Future freeskills:
19 October Car Sharing
Set up and manage a car share with your own car, limit your car use and share running costs. Understand the logistics, pit falls, benefits and responsibilities. There will be a car-share match making service during the evening where you could find your perfect partner. With car sharers Sarah Pugh, Hannah Fearnley & Adele Watt.
26 October Bach Flower Remedies for Pets
Learn more about the Bach Flower Remedies and how you can use them to help your pets with emotional problems such as fear of fireworks, anxieties, bullying, grief, and re-homing. With holistic vet Holly Mash
If you have a skill you'd like to learn, or one you'd like to share, please email freeskilling@gmail.com or post a message on www.justfortheloveofit.org We'd love to hear from you.
HAMMER TIME - Bristol Transport
07-10-2010 17:22
transport will be going from bristol for the eventfor more information check www.bristolagainstarmstrade.wordpress.com
transport will be going from bristol for the event
£10 unwaged £15/£20 waged
EDO make weapons components vital for the waging of aerial war. EDO's technology is used to attack people from Palestine to Iraq, from Afghanistan to Pakistan. They arm F-16s, build components for Paveway bombs and help develop technology for Predator and Reaper drones.
During Israel's 2009 massacre in Gaza the 'decommissioners' broke into EDO and by causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage shut down the production line. Their defence was that theyu were acting to prevent war crimes. Sixteen months later they were found not guilty by a unanimous jury verdict.
The question after all this is, how long can EDO sustain their bloody business in Brighton? Now it's time for a final push to remove the factory from Brighton.
Our action comes at a time when the people of Afghanistan are being targetted by remote control. Unmanned drones piloted by mercenaries on the other side of the globe are used to maintain aerial supremacy in Afghan skies. Tens of thousands of Afghans have died in the nine year assault. Now is the time to attack the industries which are propping upthe occupation.
It's Hammertime! We are calling for people from around the UK, and beyond, to join us in besieging EDO. We aim to shut the factory for the day through the creativity and diversity of our actions.
SMASH EDO - Bristol Transport
07-10-2010 17:22
transport will be going from bristol for the eventfor more information check www.bristolagainstarmstrade.wordpress.com
transport will be going from bristol for the event
£10 unwaged £15/£20 waged
EDO make weapons components vital for the waging of aerial war. EDO's technology is used to attack people from Palestine to Iraq, from Afghanistan to Pakistan. They arm F-16s, build components for Paveway bombs and help develop technology for Predator and Reaper drones.
During Israel's 2009 massacre in Gaza the 'decommissioners' broke into EDO and by causing hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage shut down the production line. Their defence was that theyu were acting to prevent war crimes. Sixteen months later they were found not guilty by a unanimous jury verdict.
The question after all this is, how long can EDO sustain their bloody business in Brighton? Now it's time for a final push to remove the factory from Brighton.
Our action comes at a time when the people of Afghanistan are being targetted by remote control. Unmanned drones piloted by mercenaries on the other side of the globe are used to maintain aerial supremacy in Afghan skies. Tens of thousands of Afghans have died in the nine year assault. Now is the time to attack the industries which are propping upthe occupation.
It's Hammertime! We are calling for people from around the UK, and beyond, to join us in besieging EDO. We aim to shut the factory for the day through the creativity and diversity of our actions.
Related Link: http://www.bristolagainstarmstrade
Palestine Today 10 07 2010
07-10-2010 17:03
Crude Awakening; more info announced
07-10-2010 16:26
The countdown is on… 10 days to go!If you don’t have time to read the newsletter: the most important thing is SIGN UP NOW for your bloc at
http://www.crudeawakening.org.uk/node/12 In this newsletter
1. Bloc updates
2. Practicalities: what to bring and legal info
3. 10 targets… that just missed our short-list
4. Why oil?
5. Build up events
6. New videos: the why and how of direct action
7. Facebook
Palestine solidarity tour report back - Easton community centre
07-10-2010 16:23
A report back from the Easton cowboys and cowgirls recent tour of the West Bank.The easton cowgirls and cowboys returned to the west bank in May this year to show solidarity with Palestinians living under the illegal occupation. Come and hear how we got on (we lost!) and about the difficulties faced by Palestinians living in the west bank. Plus a chance to put our heads together to work out what we can all do to oppose the occupation.
Birmingham Tory Party Conference demo - in photos (continued)
07-10-2010 15:44
Birmingham Tory Party Conference demo - in photos
07-10-2010 15:34
Why I hate activism
07-10-2010 15:25
I hope that readers of this article will be aware of what I mean by activism. It is the work of that particular sect, “the activists”, who have taken it upon themselves to rid the world of evil. Whilst their peers pursue careers, raise families or lose themselves in hedonism, the activists minimise their commitments to the conventional world, putting their hearts and souls into the furtherance of whatever ideals they hold dear.
Inevitably, to some extent, through “dropping out” of the mainstream, the activist seeks solace in doing good deeds. She considers this to be a life more enriched and rewarding than the materialism of those who surround her.
OK – I exaggerate. Not every activist is a modern day nun or monk. That said, the parallels made between activism and religiosity are deliberate and are intended to demonstrate the limitations of the former. Indeed, the adoption of activism as a role or a lifestyle is a significant obstacle to progress towards genuine and far-reaching social and political change. The inflexibility that results from the adoption of an activist role hinders the ability of the activist to adapt to change and remain effective. It also encourages the emergence of “experts” of social change and the formation of hierarchies that impede spontaneous action. Meanwhile, the tendency to associate activism with a particular lifestyle can lead to the estrangement of activists from the general population and the dilution of radical politics.
One of the most influential critiques of activism as a role was the anonymous article Give up Activism, which appeared in the aftermath of the June 18th 1999 anti-globalisation protests in London (J18). Drawing heavily on the work of situationist writer Raoul Vaneigem, the piece emphasised the limitations of activism and even suggested that it was a counter-revolutionary ideology.
Taking on the role of activist, the authors suggested, was to become a jealous guardian of the secrets of revolution. The activist relies on a niche provided by capitalist social relations in order to have relevance and it is thus in his interest to maintain that situation. Whilst I would question whether this tendency is, in itself, sufficient to nullify the activist’s desire to overcome oppressive social relations, it is clear that the activist role sets up a situation in which there is competition between an individual’s status as an “expert” of revolution and the revolutionary change itself. This is particularly true when the former is so much easier to achieve and maintain than the latter.
There is certainly a tendency for ‘activist’ to turn into shorthand for ‘expert in bringing about radical social change’. Even in movements and groups that claim to be against hierarchical social relations there is an unstated assumption that it is the ‘superactivists’ that are best positioned to lead the revolution. This assumption results in the pursuit of getting as many people into activism as possible, with the aim of achieving a critical mass that can then lead the charge against capital/climate change/whatever.
However, this assumes that the activists are a vanguard and thus, somehow, superior to the masses. This theory is certainly not borne out by the evidence of actual insurrections, in which the ‘specialists’ of revolution usually play a rather peripheral role. Even if it were probable that activists could lead such a revolt, the formation of an informal leadership class would ensure the reproduction of hierarchical social values. To form a leadership group within a so-called revolutionary movement is to sow the seeds of counter-revolution.
Another phenomenon that seems to be associated with the adoption of the activist role is an inflexibility around strategy and tactics. Because activism inevitably means perpetuating action, there is often little opportunity for reflection and adaptation within the milieu. An ideology of constant attack is part and parcel of the role and is favoured, even when patience might be more effective.
In addition, the fetishisation of particular tactics results in their mass reproduction, often without regard for the limited period during which they are novel, when no defence against them had yet been formulated. For example, the past decades have seen activists around the western world lock themselves to various things with zeal, because it is what activists do – not, necessarily, because they have determined that it is the most appropriate action to take. By clinging to a heritage limited by culture and geography, the activist reproduces the same routine over and over, without apparent regard to its effects.
It is this culture of activism that is, perhaps, neglected by Give up Activism. The adoption of activism as a lifestyle rather than a medium for bringing about social change serves to alienate those who do not identify with its idiosyncratic culture. The unspoken rules of what hairstyles, clothing, diet and lifestyle choices are and aren’t acceptable in the activist ghetto are major barriers to those who are interested in the same revolutionary aims but don’t share the lifestyle.
The activist subculture is derived from subsections of punk, hippy and other predominantly white subcultures which inevitably makes it harder for non-white people to fit into them. Without being part of the social scene around activism, with its drinking rituals (vegan organic beer only, of course) and crusty clothing choices, the outsider can only get so involved in the movement.
This results in a limbo situation for such people who cannot fit in. Most end up giving up on a scene that they feel they can never be fully part of.
Aside from the obvious cultural bias in activist circles towards whiteness, the disproportionate dominance of student politics (as well as those who have come through the university system) means that those from working class backgrounds often feel a similar alienation from activism. The intellectuals of the movement love to communicate in lengthy theses on this or that particular issue, often lacking direct connections to those on the front line.
Unsurprisingly, there is often a lack of understanding of the harsh realities poor people experience, which can lead to a lifestyle of poverty being fetishised (see, for example, criticisms of CrimethInc). Certain prevalent activist lifestyle choices e.g. clothing, diet, not flying, etc. are easier to adopt for the middle class activist who, after a childhood of luxury, sees these choices as a rejection of materialism. This denial of material wealth is a less comfortable choice to make for the person who has grown up associating such denials with a lack of opportunity.
Last but not least, the culture of activism is often a macho culture. The emphasis on having the best ideas or doing the most daring actions can encourage a competitive atmosphere where those with the loudest voices (usually men) get heard and others (often women) stay silent. Just as in the case in society at large, the speakers are often male and those who are expected to support them are often female. This reproduction of gender roles in activist culture is further evidence that it is not, at present, a revolutionary culture.
The lack of diversity and acceptance, in the activist subculture, of people who are different, is obviously a problem. However, the one area where there does appear to be genuine diversity is also a problem: activism has long been associated with anarchist politics due to the traditional association of direct action with those ideas. However, with the emergence of liberal direct-action movements, particularly around climate change, the political ideals of activism have become muddied and less focussed.
Whilst you might once have associated the activist with the revolutionary politics of anarchism or socialism, now the activist might be just as likely to engage in symbolic acts with the aim of pressuring some authority or other to change its policy. This divergence of political positions around a common lifestyle seems to be the opposite of what is required to bring about wide reaching social change.
Activism, then, is a deeply problematic identity which throws a number of obstacles in the path to radical social change. This inevitably leads to the question of what can be done by those who are committed to that radical change and, out of the lack of alternatives, end up defining ourselves as activists?
One of the most important things is to get over ourselves. Just because we are consciously committed to trying to revolt doesn’t make us the most capable of doing it. We are going to need a lot of friends and allies before we are able to do anything. When spaces open up for the kind of change we wish to see we won’t be the ones leading it because there won’t be any leaders. We can spread useful ideas and skills amongst people who are sympathetic but in the end spontaneity will be vital.
Because we need a massive range of people from all backgrounds to adopt radical ideas before meaningful change becomes possible we need to constantly be aware of the limited diversity of the circles we move in. It is only when these are genuinely open to and supportive of a wide range of active participants that we will grow in any meaningful sense. That means rejecting the white, middle-class, male claim on radicalism that is prevalent at the moment.
It means accepting people who have different lifestyles and different ideas about eating meat, shopping in supermarkets and using fossil fuels to those prevalent in the subculture. There is a need to be open to and welcoming of everyone who is sick of the system of domination.
Whilst there’s a lot to be said for and against that colourful character of an anarchist, Ian Bone, his Bash the Rich book makes excellent reading. In one chapter, he recounts how he and his Class War comrades participated in the Brixton riot of 1981. They saw the riot as an opportunity to engage in the struggle against their class enemies. Rather than trying to set themselves up as some elite group with authority over what was going in, they saw the riot as a moment in the struggle that, with their street fighting experiences, they could contribute to, along with other unknown militants.
As far as I’m concerned activists should be just that – unknown militants who lend their efforts and their solidarity to struggles wherever they find the opportunity.
This article originally appeared in Ceasefire Magazine.
We shall never forget
07-10-2010 13:22
Up-date about the on-going insults following top of malicious murderEarlier this year Bristol Class War held a couple of local protests in solidarity with the Tomlinson family. To protest at Ian’s death at police hands and in support of his family due to the lack of justice they’ve received and at the continual insults they have to battle against which are thrown at them by the establishment.
The protests were at CPS offices Bristol (Froomsgate House) and outside Trinity Road cop shop.
PC Simon Harwood the cop now known to of assaulted Ian Tomlinson minutes before he died may now be dismissed from the police force before Christmas.
But before we all cheer or at least relax thinking that the cops may actually be interested in justice read on…
This is infact a political ‘fix’. While it is agreed beyond all reasonable doubt that this bullying little shit did attack Ian Tomlinson it has been unable to bring criminal charges because of legal technicalities. This much we already know.
In a strange twist to this sorry tail of yet another case of police brutality both Ian’s family AND the sick supporters of Harwood agree that court action should be taken to stop a police disciplinary hearing taking place before an inquest into Ian’s death has taken place.
Ian’s family are known to be heartedly livid by the first ruling, i.e. lack of criminal prosecution of Harwood. It appears they believe that an inquest maybe the best chance of justice and holding the police to account.
Some believe Harwood will appear before a police disciplinary board shortly. The charge being gross misconduct. If found guilty then it’d be very bad for the little piece of shit.
He’ll be sacked.
The inquest is not due til May 2011 at best. Top porkers whine they do not want to wait that long and want to be seen to be acting responsibly and despite it all Harwood is still on full pay while suspended these last 18 months.
But in truth the top porkers will not want one of theirs appearing at an inquest in full Metropolitan Police Officer’s uniform. Its about damage limitation and not justice.
So the cops continue to add insult to the grave injury. Ian’s son, Paul King said, “I can see how it would look nice for the police if the officer turned up to the inquest in his civilian cloths.”
It is widely anticipated the inquest, if held in a fair and just manner will be enormously difficult for the bullying, murdering scum that is Harwood along with the lice – oh sorry- forgot the po in that! Oh well…
Questions in public about conduct, training, objectives, leadership etc.
Meanwhile it is reported Harwood’s sick supporters whine, “This will be unfair on the little orifice. It’s unfair to put him before the discipline board before the inquest. The SPG didn’t have to do this when they, sorry, when Blair Peach was killed – I mean died!”
“The proper place for the facts to come out is in the inquest. It is very difficult for our boy to give a full account at a discipline board. His legal team will have to seriously consider a challenge.”
What’s the betting it’ll be on ‘ ill health’ grounds?
Jules Carey, solicitors for the Tomlinson family said: "If the Metropolitan Police are determined to hold misconduct proceedings before the inquest has determined the cause of Ian Tomlinson's death, then they are effectively ruling out the possibility of the officer facing misconduct charges relating to his death."
"Clearly I shall need to advise Ian's family about their legal options to challenge any decision by the MPS to proceed with misconduct proceedings ahead of inquest."
In July the Crown Prosecution Service announced PC Harwood could not face criminal charges because it believed clashing medical evidence made it unlikely that a jury would convict him of manslaughter.
The CPS has said it would reconsider the decision not to prosecute after the results of the inquest in case any new evidence emerges.
One pathologist said Tomlinson, 47, died from a heart attack, but two other pathologists later separately concluded that he had died of internal bleeding as a result of blunt force trauma.
The CPS's view clashes with that of an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which concluded there was sufficient evidence to charge the officer with manslaughter.
Take Action: Ban BAE From Campus This Term!
07-10-2010 13:22
Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has launched our Ban BAE counter-recruitment campaign across our Universities Networks. We are calling all interested activists to get involved in direct action against arms companies on university campuses. Education and arms companies should not mix so find out how you can get involved!For example:
Bristol University Careers Fair
Last Updated by CAAT on Sep 20
27th & 28th October 2010 12-3pm Willis Memorial Building, Queens Road
Arms Companies: GE, Rolls-Royce, Army, DSTL
OR
Bristol University Engineering & IT Careers Fair
Last Updated by CAAT on Sep 20
13th October 2010, 12-3omm Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road
Arms Companies: Airbus UK, ARM, Atkins, AWE, BAE Systems, Defence Engineering & Science Group, Detica, EADS Defence and Security Systems, GE, GCHQ, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, Royal Navy & Royal Marines, Thales.
This year we want BAE Systems to be met with protests wherever it goes to recruit students. WE NEED YOUR HELP to force BAE Systems to conclude that attending university career fairs is not worth their while and shut down their main link to graduates. Education and arms companies should not mix!
BAE Systems is desperate to recruit university graduates. Each year they spend thousands of pounds on recruiting students to design, build, market and sell the next generation of killing equipment. Dick Olver (Chairman of BAE) said “Without action, the UK's widening skills gap will have become an irreversible gulf.” We certainly hope to prove him right by widening the gap between university graduates and the arms trade!
Recruitment fairs are the most straight-forward and visible approach that BAE Systems use to attract graduate talent. We want to disrupt their recruitment season this year! Controversial companies will often stop attending careers fairs when they consider their presence as detrimental to their objectives. This happened in 2008 when Climate Camp launched the 'E.ON F.OFF' campaign, which achieved such adverse publicity that e-on pulled out of careers fairs! We are hoping to achieve the same thing with our newly launched 'BAN BAE counter-recruitment campaign.'
How To Contribute Articles A Brief Guide | Donate |Publish an Article/Event | Help Guide | Calendar | Indycycle | Bristol Just Living Positive Guide to Bristol | Get Involved with Bristol Indymedia
For example:
Bristol University Careers Fair
Last Updated by CAAT on Sep 20
27th & 28th October 2010 12-3pm Willis Memorial Building, Queens Road
Arms Companies: GE, Rolls-Royce, Army, DSTL
OR
Bristol University Engineering & IT Careers Fair
Last Updated by CAAT on Sep 20
13th October 2010, 12-3omm Wills Memorial Building, Queens Road
Arms Companies: Airbus UK, ARM, Atkins, AWE, BAE Systems, Defence Engineering & Science Group, Detica, EADS Defence and Security Systems, GE, GCHQ, MBDA, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, Royal Navy & Royal Marines, Thales.
There are numerous student actions that have been hugely successful, and in many cases very entertaining too! Last year alone these included: die-ins, confiscating companies promotional materials, removing displays and grim reapers looming over stalls! I wonder what this year will bring?!
AADD-UK asks Paul Burstow to apologise for stereotyping ADHD Adults
07-10-2010 12:33
Paul Burstow MP, Minister of State for Care Services, and lead for Equality & Human Rights, seems to assume all adults with ADHD are potential criminals and as a result the Department of Health will only consider adult ADHD issues after people have entered the criminal justice system."Women at the cutting edge" - a conference on women and the cuts
07-10-2010 12:21
On 30 October Feminist Fightback will be hosting a conference on women and cuts, open to people of all genders.
