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Royal Pie Flinger Arrested as Sophie and Edward visit Hackney

Agent Royally Pissed Off | 30.05.2002 22:06

Today (Thursday 30th May) saw royalty visit Hackney in the form of Edward and Sophie a.k.a. Earl and Countess of Wessex. Wondering what good at all their visit would do to the state of Hackney services, the London cell of the Biotic Baking Brigade were again in action to help bring attention to the plight of Hackney residents.

As the royal pair toured The Ocean Music venue, Agent Royally Pissed Off sat bidding her time at the bus stop until the couple reappeared just before 2pm to cross the road to the newly opened Learning and Technology Centre. With Sophie and Edward surrounded by security and Police she had to make a snap decision between the Regal Victoria Sponge or the Chocolate Fudge cake. Noticing that the security had already spotted something suspicious she went for the seemingly more appropriate fudge, quickly slinging it at Edward as he walked by, only to have him knocked out of the way by his security, sadly causing the cake to narrowly miss Ed's head.

The BBB Agent was immediately arrested and was led away shouting to the crowd and media present that Hackney didn't need royalty, they needed more nursery places, better education provision, basic services and needed central government to drop Hackney's crippling debt.

When asked why she tooksuch action the BBB's royal agent replied: "Hackney council should not be laying out the red carpet for royal visits that the borough neither wants nor needs.

I know many many people who are suffering greatly because of the cuts in Hackney. One very close friend really wanted to be here today to take action against this visit and the council but they did not have the money or energy to travel into central Hackney. This is because they recently had their Freedom (to travel) Pass taken away by Hackney Council despite their inability to walk very far because of their medical condition. I wanted to take action today on their behalf and because I am so disgusted at the way Hackney Council is treating it's more vulnerable residents.
I also believe that Hackney residents are being used as guinea pigs by central government to test out opposition to a broad range of damaging policies and cuts such as PFIs, even less democratic electoral reform as well as cuts and privatisation of basic services.
Unless we all stand up and object to what is happening in Hackney, the process of gentrification and the policies that favour corporations and wealthy city workers over the present residents in the borough, are going to spread so quickly and completely that more and more seridents are going to be pushed further and further away from Central London and further and further into poverty traps. "

Agent Royally Pissed Off was later charged with section 4a of the public order act; "With intent to cause the Duke and Duchess of Wessex (?) harrassment alarm of distress" and bailed to return to Thames Magistrates Court, 58 Bow Road on Thursday June 6th at 10am. She is now planning to call the royal pair as witnesses if the charges go to trial.

In the meantime she was released on bail with somewhat unique bail conditions;
"Not to attend any pro or anti gloden jubilee/royal family event".

There were many more protesters at today's visit than welcoming crowds.
Library workers and Friends of Hackney Libraries were present as were people from Friends of Hackney Nurseries, Hackney Town Hall Square Alliance and Hackney Freedom Pass Campaign all with placards and banners.

Movement Against The Monarchy were also there with much local support and had a large banner proclaiming "50 Years of Crap".

Agent Royally Pissed Off
- Homepage: www.indymedia.org.uk/hackney

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  1. Photos of above protest — Bolshie Photos
  2. Photos of above protest — Bolshie Photos
  3. Photos of above protest — Bolshie Photos
  4. Photos of above protest — Bolshie Photos