UK Promoted Newswire Archive
Demonstration in London in Solidarity with Bulgarian Anti-Fracking Protests
15-01-2012 13:23
London Remembers Guantanamo: 10 years
14-01-2012 12:07
Court Papers Served on Occupy Sheffield by Sheffield Cathedral
14-01-2012 09:40
Occupy Sheffield yesterday saw court papers which appear to show Sheffield Cathedral (a Christian organisation) taking Occupy Sheffield (an organisation of peaceful protestors of all faiths and none, campaigning for economic and social justice) to the High Court in search of an injunction on the matter of trespass.SchNEWS: Not In My Frack Yard
13-01-2012 20:40
Caudrilla execs left quaking in their boots after angry fracking meeing
The week saw two large public meetings on the fracking – the process of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas, one on either side of the Pond. The first took place in the old steel town of Youngstown, Ohio- held on Tuesday in the wake of a magnitude 4.0 earthquake, the latest in a series of 11 over the last 12 months. The earthquakes are linked to an injection well disposing of fracking fluid (a mix of groundwater and industrial chemicals). The second took place in the sleepy, extremely affluent commuter belt village of Balcombe, in Sussex, just north of the Ouse Valley Viaduct on the London to Brighton railway line. Cuadrilla Resources, made infamous by their earthquake producing facilities in Lancashire, have planning permission to drill a test well south of the village. The process has been compared to setting off a small nuclear bomb underground. Needless to say there are some ruffled feathers in well manicured lawns of this community.
Protest against Atos & police repression
13-01-2012 16:55
Now more than ever!
In September 2011, two Nottingham residents, a retired paediatric nurse and a wheelchair user were arrested following a peaceful protest at the local offices of Atos ‘Healthcare’. Faced with an impressive solidarity campaign and having a pathetically weak case, the CPS and Atos backed down and the charges of aggravated trespass were dropped.
However, this case of political policing, an attempt to intimidate protesters and deter further acts of direct action, is not an isolated one: just before X-Mas three arbitrary arrests were made in relation to a Notts Uncut protest. Aside from coppers manhandling one arrestee these events are particularly disturbing as the third arrest took place as supporters were simply waiting for the others to be released.
In recent years Notts Police had been better known for their frequent blunders and blatant incompetence rather than a particular urge to repress peaceful protests. However, recent arrests and charges, along with other attempts of harassment and intimidation (e.g. confiscating tapes from a photography student who had filmed an arrest) indicate a change in policy. This was summed up by one copper’s comment who said with regards to the ‘Atos Two’ that “There has been too much of this sort of thing going on and we've been told to crack down on it.”
Atos remains however one of the many examples of why we need much more of “this sort of thing”. The company, who administers the Work Capability Assessments for the Department of Work and Pensions, has been the subject of national protests.
Being paid £100m a year, Atos is happy to do their very best to support the government’s attack on disabled people. The company quickly became infamous for its atrocious conduct towards claimants, driven by a fierce determination to force as many people as possible off disability benefits – regardless of their physical and/or psychological abilities.
Atos has helped the government to worsen the living conditions of thousands of people. Many have been denied vital benefits and forced into a job market offering no jobs, which leads to further harassment by Job Center Plus and assorted poverty pimps like A4E, Working Links, etc.
ORGANISE AND FIGHT BACK!
DON’T LET THEM INTIMIDATE YOU!
JOIN US ON FRIDAY 3rd FEBRUARY!
‘Atos Two’ case “discontinued”
13-01-2012 14:55
We are glad to announce that the case against the ‘Atos Two' is being ‘discontinued', i.e. dropped.
However, it is now more than ever necessary to continue the protests against Atos, to defy any attempts of police repression and to stand with those whose actions are being criminalised.
In September 2011, two Nottingham residents, a retired paediatric nurse and a wheelchair user were arrested following a peaceful protest at the local offices of Atos ‘Healthcare’. Faced with an impressive solidarity campaign and having a pathetically weak case, the CPS and Atos backed down and the charges of aggravated trespass were dropped.
The prosecution stated that they would “discontinue” the case, the reason given was that the “complainant no longer supports the prosecution”. It is unknown whether this change of mind was due to Atos’ concerns of further bad publicity or whether coppers and/or CPS advised the “complainant” to back off before their case would have been dismantled in court (or maybe both).
In any case it is without question that the remarkable acts of solidarity by hundreds of people did make a significant impact. The public pressure mounting up even before the trial had started will have made an impression, demonstrating the importance of such practical acts of solidarity and the potential of mutual aid and support.
The ‘Atos Two’ have asked us to express their gratitude to everyone who has supported them over the last few months and let you know that you’re all fantastic!
However, it mustn’t be forgotten that this case of political policing, an attempt to intimidate protesters and deter further acts of direct action, is not an isolated one. The arrests of Notts Uncut activists just before X-Mas and the confiscation of a photography student’s tapes after he filmed an arrest indicate that the local force is changing their attitude towards peaceful protest. This seems to have been confirmed by a police officers’ remark who commented on the arrest of the ‘Atos Two’ by stating that there “had been too much of this sort of thing and we were told to crack down on it”.
Furthermore Atos is still committed to make people’s lives a misery and the company remains one of the many examples why we need much more of “this sort of thing”.
Therefore we must continue to protest against Atos and to defy any attempts of intimidation by direct action. We must also engage in acts of practical solidarity with those who find themselves subject to police repression and/or caught up in the justice system.
Whether someone is being harassed or assaulted by law enforcers in the streets, put through a WCA, dragged through the courts or locked away in prisons or detention centres, an injury to one is an injury to all!
Join us for a protest against Atos ‘Healthcare’ and police repression on Friday 3rd February 2012 at 12.30pm.
Shell's tree cutting disrupted for second day running in Mayo
12-01-2012 12:13
Disruption to the felling of the Coillte (state) woodland for Shell's planned onshore pipeline (along with the stopping of haulage trucks to the Aughoose compound), continued today as protestors intercepted a specialist 8-track tree felling machine between the Aughoose tunnelling compound and Leenamore forest.Audio from Guantanamo Remembered: 10 Years meeting
11-01-2012 21:52
This audio was recorded at the 10th Anniversary remembrance, in honour of those still incarcerated at Guantanamo. The meeting was jointly organised by Cage Prisoners, Reprieve and the Islamic Human Rights Commission.
The meeting in London's Conway Hall began with a recording of a song and a live chant from the Koran, both by former detainees. The meeting and speakers were introduced by Victoria Britain.
Sparks protest at Ratcliffe
11-01-2012 20:55
This morning (Wednesday 11th January), electricians at Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station joined a national day of action, the latest in a series of protests against a proposed working arrangement which they claim would see their wages cut by a third.
The Loughborough Echo estimated numbers at 25-30, but the Unite Union put the figure at closer to 50.
The protest caused major traffic disruption on the already congested A453, with the Socialist Worker reporting a ten mile tailback.
It appears that the impact on traffic was exacerbated by an accident on the A50, which the police did not immediately attend due to a cock-up over borders.
The national campaign
Elsewhere in the country there were more than 100 people protesting at Blackfriars in London, around 200 in Hartlepool and further protests in Cardiff and Manchester.
The demonstrations are part of a campaign which has been running since last year, protesting against the tearing up of the JIB agreement, which governin terms of employment and rates of pay for electricians.
Electricians ("sparks") who oppose the new deal argue that it will result in a 30% pay cut and the de-skilling of their industry.
Disappointed by the response of their union, Unite, sparks have organised themselves and called a number of actions, including blockades.
Last year Unite balloted its members for strike action against Balfour Beatty, one of the members of the JIB.
Despite 81.6% voting in favour of action, Unite folded almost immediately when Balfour Beatty threatened legal action over a technicality.
Undaunted, sparks organised the largest national wildcat action in years. Electricians walked out in London, Merseyside, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, Hull and Lincolnshire.
Protests at Ratcliffe
Workers at Ratcliffe have previously protested against the changes to the JIB in October and November last year.
Despite traffic disruption, these actions, like the national campaign, have attracted minimal mainstream coverage, with only a brief mention on the BBC website.
Moving forward
The sparks campaign has been hugely inspiring, demonstrating that workers can organise outside the constraints of both the trade union bureaucracy and the anti-union laws.
This saturday, there is a national rank and file meeting in Birmingham, which will presumably work out the course of the campaign over the coming months.
From Harringey to Washngton D.C. "Close Guantanamo - 10 years Too Long!"
11-01-2012 18:24
This morning on the 10th. anniversary of the opening of Guantanamo, folks from Veterans for Peace, No Borders, Harringey Solidarity Group and Giuseppe Conlon Catholic Worker House gathered in our neighborhood of Harringey, London to the demand the immediate closure of Guantanamo and other U.S. gulags. Photos.....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/64728140@N02/sets/72157628825026687/with/6679453201/
Kurdish people protest killing civilians in Turkey
09-01-2012 20:55
Saturday 7 January 2012
Supporters of the Kurdish people gathered together in the Market Square. Leafleting and listening to speeches.
They then marched across Nottingham to protest outside the BBC building in London Road.
They say that the coverage they get from the BBC on these issues is biased towards the Turkish goverment view of evnts. They were interviewed by duty reporters there, when they asked for a more balanced coverage of their cause.
Turkish air strike kills 35 Kurds near Iraqi Kurdistan
http://www.ekurd.net/mismas/articles/misc2011/12/turkey3640.htm
Turkish air strikes kill dozens of villagers near Iraq border
Turkey's government forced to admit victims of bombing were not Kurdish separatist fighters
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/dec/29/turkish-air-strikes-iraq-border
earlier report:
Nottingham Protest against Deportations to Northern Iraq (Kurdistan)
http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/08/321695.html
____________________________________________
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>
Nottingham Occupation Camp now at day 86
09-01-2012 20:55
Sunday 8 January 2012
Now at day 86. Gosh!!
New structure has kept many warm since being erected before christmas.
Thought I would show you a series of piccys from inside, just after campers had done a bit housework and it is polished and well displayed :-).
***
I think those holding out against the elements for these issues, need to be congratulated for their commitments and deserve help and support from us.
Please drop by and offer your time, help, donations of food, bedding, waterproofing, warm clothing ...... oh, a bit of love.
Loads of earlier postings ...... but, here are the main features
Nottingham is occupied [1st Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2079
Nottingham Occupation Continues [2nd Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2100
Occupy Notttingham: Moved but still in occupation [3rd Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2116
Occupy Notttingham: Still there [4th Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2147
Nottingham Occupy Nottingham: No plans for eviction. Yet. [5th Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2193
Occupy Notttingham: Two months in [6th Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2266
Occupy Nottingham: Xmas and New Year in Market Sq [7th Feature]
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2287
and ......
Characters I've met during Cuts & Occupy Campaigns
http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2124
____________________________________________
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>
Eviction - Press Release: 9/1/12 from Occupy Lancaster!
09-01-2012 19:21
There are over 1 million empty properties in the UK, 350,000 of these have been vacant for over a year. Money is being spent on keeping these places empty with no benefit to communities and with negative devaluation of properties in the surrounding area. Criminalising squatting in the middle of a housing crisis, as the Con-Dem government plan to do, is only going to make matters worse.Police Harass Occupy Liverpool at Legal Squat
09-01-2012 14:34
URGENT CALL OUT FOR HELP! POLICE HAVE SURROUNDED THE NEW LOCATION! THE NEW LOCATION IS THE OLD CHURCH IN PRESTON STREET (OFF DALE STREET BY MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS LIVERPOO[L] CITY CENTRE). WE URGENTLY NEED AS MANY PEOPLE TO GET DOWN THERE ASAP! PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN
- Occupy Liverpool
https://www.facebook.com/OccupyLiverpool/posts/249099251830522
Shut Guantánamo - End Ten Years of Shame" - Report
09-01-2012 13:38
On Saturday 7 January, the weekend before the tenth anniversary of the opening of the illegal prison camp at Guantánamo Bay, over 200 people from London and other parts of the UK converged outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square to mark this unfortunate day in history and to stand in solidarity with the 171 prisoners who remain there. Organised by the London Guantánamo Campaign (LGC), the Save Shaker Aamer Campaign (SSAC), the Stop the War Coalition (StWC) and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
Sheffield Somali Community Protest at Social Services Removal of 13 Year Old
09-01-2012 11:47
Police raid on Occupy Lancaster
09-01-2012 00:29
Full article | 1 addition | 8 comments
Undercover surveillance - Can you identify this man?
08-01-2012 23:44
UK Indymedia and Twitter
08-01-2012 00:16
Since Indymedia started over a decade ago, the web has undergone major changes, with many more people and campaigns using their own blogs and sites. Corporate sites such as facebook and twitter have also become players in the exchange of information. Recent convictions of Facebook users have shown that using corporate sites can mean an increased risk for users, and whilst twitter has been more assertive about challenging police requests for user information, it remains another database which the state can potentially mine for information, for example the recent court request to Twitter for Occupy users IP addresses in the US. At Indymedia UK we still strive to find ways of getting out information about actions and campaigns to as wide an audience as possible, whilst bearing in mind the need to maintain anonymity and to reduce the risks to our users. We are currently reviewing our twitter strategy with a view to expanding the user base and getting information out to as wide an audience as posssible.
Solidarity with Census Refusers in Birmingham. Report from 5 Jan
06-01-2012 16:10
