MET police arrive at Climate Camp
onsite reports | 30.08.2006 17:22 | Climate Camp 2006 | Climate Chaos | Ecology | London
A report from someone in the climate camp says that over the last few hours, police from the London MET force have arrived outside the climate camp, and that there has been a corresponding increase in tension.
It's reported that at least on person has been arrested near the camp car park, apparently for having a pen knife on them, but this is unconfirmed. Another person is reported to have been strip searched on suspicion of possessing drugs.
Throughout the day people arriving or leaving have been subject to searches by police under the section 60 order put in place last night.
Treatment has varied according to both the individuals and officers involved - some people have had every single item in rucksacks searched for weapons, others have just had their bags patted down. Police are issuing people with reciepts on completion of the searches.
Despite this people have refused to be intimidated, and continue to come and go at will, getting on with the daily life of the camp.
After today's earlier rebuff of the police who wanted to come onto the site, when people gathered at the gate, turned their backs on police, held up banners to block the police cameras, and stated clearly that they did not want them onsite, it seems a second attempt was made after the MET police arrived.
At around 5.30pm people again gathered at the main gate as police arrived saying they wanted to come into the camp. The exchange was more heated this time, and police also moved towards the second gate of the camp, where around 50 people also gathered to make it clear they were not happy with the idea of police coming on site without permission of the camp.
People continue to try and talk to the police and reason with them, all the while the camp continues, with kitchens cooking and discussions ongoing.
Throughout the day people arriving or leaving have been subject to searches by police under the section 60 order put in place last night.
Treatment has varied according to both the individuals and officers involved - some people have had every single item in rucksacks searched for weapons, others have just had their bags patted down. Police are issuing people with reciepts on completion of the searches.
Despite this people have refused to be intimidated, and continue to come and go at will, getting on with the daily life of the camp.
After today's earlier rebuff of the police who wanted to come onto the site, when people gathered at the gate, turned their backs on police, held up banners to block the police cameras, and stated clearly that they did not want them onsite, it seems a second attempt was made after the MET police arrived.
At around 5.30pm people again gathered at the main gate as police arrived saying they wanted to come into the camp. The exchange was more heated this time, and police also moved towards the second gate of the camp, where around 50 people also gathered to make it clear they were not happy with the idea of police coming on site without permission of the camp.
People continue to try and talk to the police and reason with them, all the while the camp continues, with kitchens cooking and discussions ongoing.
onsite reports
Additions
latest news from camp - @ 11pm all quiet
30.08.2006 22:02
latest from camp says at 11pm all is quiet and calm. people remain vigilant and optimistic.
update
Comments
Hide the following 5 comments
But
30.08.2006 18:42
Also a "Day of Action Against" doesn't sound too positive. Again, I can see why police might think it would be irresponsible not to take it seriously.
Maybe this is the movement falling victim to its own PR.
confused
reply to but
30.08.2006 19:37
People have gone to the camp for climate action, where I have just come from, for numerous reasons, some to find out more, some to learn how to live more sustainably, and some to take action on the single biggest issue facing humanity. Some have gone to do all three.
When faced with a society on a suicidal course a 'day of action' on climate change is not 'positive' or or 'unpositive', its weak, but a good start, and hopefully a moment of change.
But 600 people in a field have caused 4000 police to be deployed for 10 days, with vehicle and helicopter backup - despite the goverments so-called committent to climate change.
The camp faces police harrasment, and people get on as they always do. The camp is really a great place to meet people and learn and plan.
But the authorities have decided to defend a suicidal future, against much better futures. Sounds strangely that 'but' is standing with the police?
common camper
misinformation and reality
30.08.2006 19:53
you are wrong about reading that on indymedia, though as you say, you "think" you may have read it.
your other point is fair enough, if the police did not take seriously the claim that some people were planning to shut down a power station then they would not be doing their job properly.
re: a day of action "Against" not looking too positive, it's worth pointing out that the majority of the climate camp has been concentrating on positive solutions, ways to reduce your energy consumption, and ways to use renewable energy sources, community led schemes, planning and housing policies and a whole bunch of stuff that has even included how to lobby governments / industry and much analysis of international agreements or carbon trading models. The day of action is pretty much that, a 'day' of action, when seen in relation to the eight days plus of the camps programme.
don't be confused, get clued up! :-)
More Met
30.08.2006 22:24
the Sheffield area - can't think where else they'd be headed...
bob
spud
31.08.2006 00:26
piet
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