UK Climate Chaos Newswire Archive
Good News for Anti Opencasters Bad news for UK Coal
26-11-2010 15:04
Our latest Press Release contains more good news for the Minorca Opencast Protest Group (MOPG)and more bad news for UK Coal plc as the fight to stop a new opencast application continues is now published as Pr 85 'Campaigners resistance to opencast mine proposals hears encouraging news from MP'. It also contains the results of MOPG's 2010 AGM.March on Parliament for a 'Zero Carbon Britain' and a Million Climate Jobs 04/12
25-11-2010 13:08
Saturday 4th DecemberAssembling 12.00 noon Hyde Park and marching to a Rally outside Parliament,
2.30 to 3.30 pm
The National Climate March, on the Saturday midway through the UN Climate
Talks taking place in Cancun, Mexico, will this year take the form of a
'March on Parliament for a Zero Carbon Britain and a Million Climate Jobs'.
Ratcliffe Trial Day 3 - Prosecution case continues
24-11-2010 22:23
23 November 2010 Nottingham Crown Court
Barrister for the prosecution, Miss Felicity Gerry continued to outline their case.
Taking the jury further into the huge bundle of paper they'd been given to consider, she spent much time on the press release that had already been prepared ahead of the action intended.
She points out the press release notes describe the actions intended. They include element such as peaceful protest, trespass, the intent of climbing structures and securing access. Notes about the Ratcliffe power stations operations. Then there was another section drawing attention to the issues the then Energy Secretary Ed Milliband MP, who was considering an application for the construction of another coal-fired power station by E-on at that time.
Notes suggested that the protesters had researched issues for several months before their arrest to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others before engaging in the action. Further, to minimize power disruptions.
By reading out the press release, almost in its entirety to the court, I was struck in thinking that this was perhaps doing a lot of the defences work for them! I formed the impression of the great amount of care, consideration and research that had been put into the whole project. But i think the motive here is clearly to demonstrate the amount of premeditation and possible conspiracy that the prosecution aledge had taken place.
Miss Gerry continued onto the question & answers leaflet that had also be found at the school. She again seemed to me to be suggesting that the depth of research, thought-out consequences, again demonstrated the premeditation and a conspiracy.
Another leaflet was introduced titled: 'Important notice for people working at Ratcliffe Power Station' intended to provide an explanation to workers about the action. On then to a media contact list prepared with the contact and phone number of a number of TV and newspaper journalist and newsrooms.
Further into the bundle, she introduces an assortment of papers, some torn up and reassembled by the police, found within various rooms in the Iona School. A flip chart paper and a couple of other bits and bobs. All describing aspects of the proposed action, amounting in fact, to an operational plan.
Miss Gerry spent some time describing the operation of a flow chart. Its object was to lay out what to do on arrival at the plant if challenged by worker or security / or not challenged. The arrangement of people into 'task groups' and how to proceed when confronted with a variety of obstacles.
The presence of 'what to do if' and arrest advice papers suggested that they intended to engage in illegal activities. Another note discovered referred to a company called Veggies "Please supply high calorific high density durable foods" individually packed but sometimes would be available for sharing. Food bags were discovered with days of the week written on them.
Great emphasis was put of another leaflet titled: Ecological Show Stoppers. Street theatre, Sunday 12th April 2009 Iona School, Sneinton, Nottingham.
After lunch we continue with a oh so long listing of equipment. The back bench of the court has a large array of exhibits in plastic bags, all carefully presented by a court officer resplendent in blue sterile gloves. Unnecessary I thought, when holding ropes , bits of metals and wood which are all contained in plastic. But, me thinks, it all gives an air of crime, danger, presentation etc.
Although not absolutely everything seized, Miss Gerry tells the court that it is a sample to give a flavor of the materials involved. She has the court officer display to the jury:
D-locks
Cycle steel rope locks
Climbing ropes, clips and harnesses [a variety of all-sorts]
Hard hats, masks and ear-defenders
A roll-able metal climbing ladder
'Lock-on' tubes [constructed from fire extinguisher casings, a steel tubes encased in concrete
Police photographs then presented in the bundle showing:
A hired gas detector
Steel device with handles to block a door
Assortment of power tools inc. cutting equipment, drills etc
Miss Gerry suggests that all this equipment would enable the defendants to carry out their stated aims to shut down the power station for a week.
Banners of varying sizes including the words:
For climate justice
2000 tons of carbon saved
Coal = Climate Disaster
No more coal
A sketch was also found showing how to hang a banner with ropes and weighting down with sandbags.
Crumbs! Today was very much about lists. Lists of papers, equipment & kit, personal items, sleeping bags, bedding etc etc etc etc ..... we are now onto vehicle. Hired from a variety of companies and locations.
An assortment of receipts for kit, tools, fuel, maps and routes.
It then took a while for her to describe the number of mobile telephones and an assortment of sim cards. Also some radio equipment. They were found in various places about the school and on people present there. All were unregistered and recently purchased. Effort was made in then explaining some of suggested links between them and numbers that had called each other.
We all adjourn until 10.30am tomorrow.
the case continues etc ........
+++
Ratcliffe Trial Day 2 - Prosecution’s Opening
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/articles/702
Ratcliffe conspiracy to trespass trial opens today
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/articles/693
Ratcliffe Conspiracy Trial Begins [feature]
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/articles/701
http://ratcliffeontrial.org/blog
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email: tash@indymedia.org
Web: http://digitaljournalist.eu
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
___________________________________________
<ends>
Ratcliffe Conspiracy Trial Begins
23-11-2010 18:14
A year and a half after being pre-emptively arrested alongside more than 100 other people, 20 climate change activists began a month-long trial at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday.
On the newswire: Ratcliffe conspiracy to trespass trial opens today | Ratcliffe on Trial - Day 1 - cheap pix | Defendants & Supporters outside Nottingham Crown Court ahead of the Ratcliffe Trial today | Ratcliffe on Trial - Day 1 - the trial begins
Supporters gathered outside Nottingham Crown Court holding signs which read, "I would stop emissions too".
Anyone in the Nottingham area who would like to meet the defendants or help out can come along to the SUMAC centre (NG7 6HX) each evening after the trial at 7pm for dinner at People's Kitchen.
The arrests were thought to be the biggest ever pre-emptive arrest of environmental activists. The defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Trespass for planning to safely shut down Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station for a week and in doing so stopping 150,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted. While they admit the intent, they maintain that they are not guilty of of a crime.
The defence will show that the activists acted out of necessity, to prevent death and serious injury. According to official sources, 300,000 people per year already lose their lives due to the effects of climate change and half a billion are at "extreme risk". (http://www.preventionweb.net/)
Rebecca Quinn, 32, who was one of those arrested in April but later had the charges dropped, said, "Climate Change is hitting those least responsible for it the hardest. Low-lying island nations are already seeing salt water encroach on their farm land, and in recent years we have seen an increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Coal is the dirtiest method of electricity generation, and must be stopped. To avoid a climate crisis, we must put people before profit. In the face of government apathy and the failure of the Copenhagen conference, it is ordinary people taking direct action who are desperately trying to avoid a bleak future of flooding, drought, crop failure and water shortages."
James Hansen, the high profile scientist who is the Head of NASA's Goddard Institute, is one of the many expert witnesses who will testify during the trial at Nottingham Crown Court. The leading climatologist will guide the jury through the complexities of climate science and explain how coal burning is jeopardizing the lives of millions.
Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party will give expert evidence about the failure to achieve action on climate change domestically and within the EU parliament through more conventional political means. It will be argued that the defendants had no alternative but to physically stop the power station emitting CO2, having exhausted other channels such as lobbying, campaigning, and attending marches.
The defendants are a diverse mix of people of varying ages from 21 to 45. Living across the UK, they work in teaching, science, computing, and many other areas. 114 people were originally arrested on 13th April 2009, but most subsequently had their charges dropped.
Sat 4 Dec - Call-out for vibrant "No Nuclear" bloc at London Climate March
22-11-2010 20:24
- National Climate March, London, Sat 4 December 2010
Ratcliffe conspiracy to trespass trial opens today
22-11-2010 17:23
18 months after 114 people were initially arrested at the Iona School in Sneinton, 20 climate change activists have begun a month-long trial today. They were originally arrested on 13th April 2009.
On Monday 22 November 2010, they have appeared to answer charge at Nottingham Crown Court: that they conspired together to cause aggrevated trespass at the Radcliffe Power Station. The trial is expected to last 4 weeks.
On Monday 22 November 2010, they have appeared to answer charge at Nottingham Crown Court: that they conspired together to cause aggrevated trespass at the Radcliffe Power Station. The trial is expected to last 4 weeks.
Mass Arrest of 114 Climate Activists in Raid in Nottingham
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/427471.html
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/04/427496.html
Today has largely been taken up with agreeing a timetable for the progress of the case. Arguement about whether legal representatives are to visit the Ratcliffe site. The defence would like to, to get a 'feel for the location'. The prosecution thinks this un-neccesary, since no one was arrested there. E-on didn't want to co-operate with this visit, health and safety implications etc ... The swearing in of the jury has also now been completed. Opening statement from counsel will begin tomorrow.
>> Statement from their blog:
Supporters gathered outside Nottingham Crown Court holding signs which read, "I would stop emissions too".
Anyone in the Nottingham area who would like to meet the defendants or help out can come along to the SUMAC centre (NG7 6HX) each evening after the trial at 7pm for dinner at People's Kitchen.
The arrests were thought to be the biggest ever pre-emptive arrest of environmental activists. The defendants are charged with Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Trespass for planning to safely shut down Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station for a week and in doing so stopping 150,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted. While they admit the intent, they maintain that they are not guilty of of a crime.
The defence will show that the activists acted out of necessity, to prevent death and serious injury. According to official sources, 300,000 people per year already lose their lives due to the effects of climate change and half a billion are at "extreme risk". (http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/publications/v.php?id=9668)
Rebecca Quinn, 32, who was one of those arrested in April but later had the charges dropped, said, "Climate Change is hitting those least responsible for it the hardest. Low-lying island nations are already seeing salt water encroach on their farm land, and in recent years we have seen an increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Coal is the dirtiest method of electricity generation, and must be stopped. To avoid a climate crisis, we must put people before profit. In the face of government apathy and the failure of the Copenhagen conference, it is ordinary people taking direct action who are desperately trying to avoid a bleak future of flooding, drought, crop failure and water shortages."
James Hansen, the high profile scientist who is the Head of NASA's Goddard Institute, is one of the many expert witnesses who will testify during the trial at Nottingham Crown Court. The leading climatologist will guide the jury through the complexities of climate science and explain how coal burning is jeopardizing the lives of millions.
Caroline Lucas MP, Leader of the Green Party will give expert evidence about the failure to achieve action on climate change domestically and within the EU parliament through more conventional political means. It will be argued that the defendants had no alternative but to physically stop the power station emitting CO2, having exhausted other channels such as lobbying, campaigning, and attending marches.
The defendants are a diverse mix of people of varying ages from 21 to 45. Living across the UK, they work in teaching, science, computing, and many other areas. 114 people were originally arrested on 13th April 2009, but most subsequently had their charges dropped.
For regular updates on the trial see http://ratcliffeontrial.org/blog
>>
Notes from the previous trial held at Nottingham Magistrates Court from 14 – 16th January 2008
Ratcliffe Power Station : Court Case Reporting
[addionally, this post contains some collected links to past coverage of the issues surrounding the Ratcliffe Power Station and concern about its operations]
http://notts.indymedia.org.uk/zines/670
http://ratcliffeontrial.org
the trial continues etc.........
____________________________________________
ALAN LODGE
Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham. UK
Email: tash@indymedia.org
Web: http://digitaljournalist.eu
Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]
____________________________________________
"It is not enough to curse the darkness.
It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"
___________________________________________
<ends>
All English Groups Campaigning Against Opencast mining get a Boost
22-11-2010 14:36
A recent decision not to approve a new opencast mine application gains Government endorsement after a Public Inquiry - the first victory for Anti Opencast Campaigners for at least five years. This decision has implications for all prospective English applications including the Minorca application in LeicestershireGathering at Huntington Lane anti-coal site
22-11-2010 13:41
From the 10th-13th December, come to the shropshire anti-coal site for an action-packed weekend gathering.Solidarity with the r29 in Norwich
18-11-2010 01:47
We did some graffiti in support of the ratcliffe 29A User’s Guide to the Crisis of Civilization: And How to Save it – A Review
17-11-2010 13:51
Anti-Government Mural In Shoreditch
16-11-2010 00:29
The Next Crisis: How business-as-usual will kill us all
12-11-2010 10:31
2008 was the year of crisis convergence. Escalating oil price spikes coincided with similar spikes in the prices of staple foods, both driven by a combination of production-supply constraints, rocketing demand, and the ensuing bonanza of commodity trading on futures markets. Then the banks collapsed, prompting massive government bailouts designed to shore-up a crumbling financial system.
Scandalous police repression against anti-nuclear activists in France
09-11-2010 20:04
Activists from the French nonviolent direct action group GANVA were seriously injured and hospitalised by police while being cut out of lock-on tubes during a blockade of a train transporting nuclear waste between France and Germany. Immediately upon their release from hospital, they were held in police custody for 24 hours. They will go back into custody until their trial next month if they do not pay bail of €16,500 by 15 November.CASTOR finally made it to the dump in Germany
09-11-2010 11:55
The much delayed nuclear waste transport from France to Germany has reached the dump at Gorleben.Royal Society Picket : Our Planet is not your experiment
08-11-2010 21:35
CASTOR train in Germany heavily delayed
08-11-2010 09:06
After inspiring resistance the train of nuclear waste has made it to the end of the railway. They now have to get the waste onto trucks and to the dump.Our Planet is Not your Experiment
07-11-2010 18:20
Grassroots activists have come together to oppose dangerous Geoengineering experiments proposed by scientists and OECD governments. Proposals include creating an artificial volcano effect to black out the sky or changing the oceans to increase plankton blooms.What Is The Matter With Stewart Brand?
07-11-2010 18:14
