The megaphones were put to good use with chants of ‘blood, blood, blood on your hands’, ‘HLS, close them down’, etc. attracting attention all round, with workers from a near-by company showing support and taking leaflets. Biocair also took an interest by poking a camera through the blinds periodically to try and get snaps of the campaigners.

PCSOs arrived on bikes and asked activists to leave. Then the proper police turned up, when she arrived, the officer began by telling campaigners that it was an illegal protest! However an activist was quick to explain the difference between the laws on assembly and marches in terms of prior notification and the fact the campaigners were not even committing the civil offence of trespass as they had not been asked to leave. The officer then asked about the megaphones and was again told this was not illegal! Activists told her they planned to be on their way and left.

After this a NETCU 4x4 (they have more funding than the PCSOs) pulled up and decided to follow the campaigners. The activists went there separate ways and agreed to meet up at Barclays later. Eventually NETCU gave up their stalking mission!

Barclays

Meeting up again, campaigners began a leafleting demo at Barclays, 30 Market Hill Cambridge CB2 3NX. Leaflets were handed to interested customers with people being supportive of the campaigners’ message; people don’t like dogs being killed for sweetener, Barclays! One customer even spoke to bank staff about the issue themselves.

A member of staff told campaigners to leave but as they were on public property they refused and continued educating people about the most exposed animal-testing lab in the world, HLS.

The police didn't show up and campaigners were able to get their message quietly across to the public without unnecessary intrusion.

Barclays as a top target should expect campaigners to be back time and time again until they make the ethical choice. Its time Barclays thinks about the impact on its long-term corporate image, being linked with HLS is bad for business!

Today’s demos are dedicated to Mel and all animal rights prisoners!