London – Page 52 – Earth First!

News from the rampART

Been a while since there has been an update on the situation at the rampART social centre posted on the newswire. Below is the latest newsletter – regisiter as a member yourself via http://lists.riseup.net/www/info/rampart and get the latest news each week.

EX-VORTEX EVICTED…

We’re sorry to hear that the Vortex social centre in Stoke Newington was evicted in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Most of us involved in the rampART collective have been so caught up in working on the building that we didn’t get to visit the Vortex at all.

Despite the Vortex being evicted they’ll still be meeting until they find a new building.

Tonight’s meeting (wednesday 7th March) is at: 7.30pm
Ryan’s Bar (basement), 181 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UL
(map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=532996&Y=186437&A=Y&Z=1
(yellow bar on the same side as the vortex up at albion road end of church street).

Planned events for International Womens Day have been relocated with the help of the local Kurdish and Turkish communities. A scaled-down programme of events on Thursday 8th March will now take place in the IMSC community center on nearby Tyssen Road, N16. Workshops on DJing, self-defence, assertiveness, dreams and political music will be running as well as live music and food and refreshments.

FIRE EXCITE…

The new fire exit we’ve been working on has now finally been completed so we are happy to ‘reopen’ for larger events. However, the new fire exit also means the hall is no longer sound proof so expect events to end earlier until we come up with a solution to soundproofing the door while retaining it’s function as an emergency exit.

FIRE ENTER…

This friday we have the fire inspection so wish us luck. We think the place is pretty much as ready is it’s likely to get. Thanks to all those who came through with items off the wish list.

RAMPART EVENTS

– TIBETIAN NATIONAL UPRISING PARTY, SATURDAY 10TH

On Saturday evening we’ve got an after demo event organised by the
Tibetan Youth. It starts at 7pm with films and goes on till 12.

– COMING SOON

* We were going to restart the cinema nights this Friday but confusion over possible relocation of an event booked for the Vortex means we’ll leave it this time and relaunch in the next couple of weeks. We’d like to hear from you whether we should stick to Thursday nights or would you prefer Tuesdays or perhaps Friday nights ending in a social, music and refreshments?
We intend to try to have a program arranged a month ahead so please let us know about any films you think should be shown.

* We’d also like to hear from those interested in a digital photography skill share (practical and discussion based workshop on shooting with a focus on social justice reportage). Please contact us to register your interest and help us choose a date.

– BOMB THE BEETS

A new London Food Not Bombs group is now up and running and serving free, hot vegan food to all who are hungry every week in a park in Whitechapel. They are still looking for more people to be involved with cooking, skipping, or just to come down and support the project, bringing food, music, energy etc whenever it takes place. If you would like to be involved in the Food Not Bombs project (see www.foodnotbombs.net for more information about the idea and the motivations and principles which guide it), send an email to londonfnb@lists.riseup.net , or just come down to help with cooking or the park to help with serving (and eating!) on Saturdays.

They meet midday saturday at the rampART then serve food from around 3pm in Altab Ali park on Whitechapel High Street, which is virtually opposite Aldgate East tube station (and Freedom Books, the anarchist book shop). Serving usually lasts until about 4.30 then it’s back to rampART to wash up. Feel free to bring banners, signs, music, leaflets etc etc, and if you need cooking for an event, just send them the details…

– RAMPART REGULARITIES

Remember there is self defense classes every monday evening and samba practice every wednesday evening except for the third wednesday of every month when it’s the women’s anarchist nuisance cafe.

“YOU ARE ONE OF US”

Also remember that the rampART is, for various reasons, a private members club. Membership is free and you can join by signing up to the mailing list. Please also familiarize yourself with the location of fire exits, fire alarms, extinguishers and first aid kits next time you visit.

FINALLE

OH WISHFULL THINKING!

We still need…
a solenoid valve from a broken washing machine.
a length of hose pipe
some 3/4 inch ply or chip board, at least the size of a door.
somebody to fix the leaking toilet

Stuff we have that you might want…
loads of long pieces of fabric including black stretchy stuff.
lots of dexion angle iron piece of various lengths.
blue gloss paint

ID-DAY – National Day of Action against ID CARDS 26/3/07

DEFY ID CARDS & THE DATABASE STATE

TAKE BIG BROTHER DOWN

ID-DAY

Is a national day of autonomous action against ID cards and the Database state.
Across the country people will be protesting against the opening of the new ID ‘enrolment’ centres.

DEFY ID CARDS & THE DATABASE STATE

TAKE BIG BROTHER DOWN

ID-DAY

Is a national day of autonomous action against ID cards and the Database state.
Across the country people will be protesting against the opening of the new ID ‘enrolment’ centres.

Call for workshops at the Earth First! Summer Gathering 2007

This year’s gathering is from 18 – 22 July in Norfolk, near a mainline railway station.

The focus is on practical skills, but there will also be many of the regular diverse and interesting workshops.

This year’s gathering is from 18 – 22 July in Norfolk, near a mainline railway station.

The focus is on practical skills, but there will also be many of the regular diverse and interesting workshops.

The idea is to have multiple workshop sessions, e.g. four two-hour slots spread over four days building up skills in a particular area, so people can learn the basic skills to actually do the job at other mobilisations, events like the climate camp – or wherever. For example plumbing, electrical skills, medics…and whatever else people want to do… It’s not just about the practical skills but also about getting to know each other and starting to work together.

If you would like to offer a workshop please write to:
martinshaw64@riseup.net

Thanks – the EF! summer gathering collecting
General contact details etc at http://www.earthfirstgathering.org.uk/

please forward to people you think would be interested.

Heathrow residents disrupt minister’s speech

6.03.2007

ANGRY HEATHROW RESIDENTS DISRUPT MINISTER’S SPEECH

~ Airport residents resort to direct action techniques for the first time
~ Marks new phase in resistance to airport expansion

6.03.2007

ANGRY HEATHROW RESIDENTS DISRUPT MINISTER’S SPEECH

~ Airport residents resort to direct action techniques for the first time
~ Marks new phase in resistance to airport expansion

1pm – Londoners facing house demolitions and increased noise from government plans for expansion of Heathrow today took direct action against the plans for the first time. They stormed the stage at an aviation industry conference and disrupted an address being made by the Transport Minister, Douglas Alexander.

The residents from the West London villages of Sipson and Harmondsworth joined environmental activists from climate action group, Plane Stupid, and breached security at Chatham House. Some unfurled a banner reading, “No third runway” whilst another went nose-to-nose with the Minister in front of the conference delegates. Other residents with banners demonstrated outside the conference centre.

Local resident Dr John Hunt from Hounslow who went head-to-head with Alexander on the stage, said, “For decades the government has betrayed us with a catalogue of broken promises. In the 80s we were told Terminal 4 would be the last expansion, then in the 90s we were told Terminal 5 would be the end. Now we’re facing yet more noise and more concrete, and this time they want to wipe our entire community off the map. The time for gentle persuasion is over. Douglas Alexander is warned: the fight back has begun.”

He added, “We’re glad to be joined by our eco-warrior friends from Plane Stupid. They’ve done this kind of thing before and have been helpful with their direct action training over recent weeks. I think it’s safe to say there’s more of this to come.”

Plane Stupid shot into the headlines with their blockade of an airport runway at Nottingham East Midlands short haul airport in September. The group have also occupied BAA and Easyjet offices in recent months, and organised November’s national day of action against short haul flights.

Plane Stupid’s Richard George said, “Whist Ministers like Douglas Alexander preach about action to stop climate change they’re concreting over local democratic opposition to new runways with their plans to cater for unnecessary and climate-wrecking short haul flights. It’s not surprising that having failed though conventional protest, the residents have decided to up the ante.”

For interviews/information:

info@planestupid.com
http://www.planestupid.com

Vortex Evicted

The ex-Vortex Social Centre in Stoke Newington was evicted this morning. Bailiffs arrived at 5.30, with several police vans in attendance and proceeded to break down the door.

Although most people were quickly removed from the building one valiant soul hid in the attic and it was over an hour later that the police and bailiffs completely occupied the premises.

The ex-Vortex Social Centre in Stoke Newington was evicted this morning. Bailiffs arrived at 5.30, with several police vans in attendance and proceeded to break down the door.

Although most people were quickly removed from the building one valiant soul hid in the attic and it was over an hour later that the police and bailiffs completely occupied the premises.

Many local people got out of bed and braved the rain to offer support and help retrieve equipment. The bailiffs refused to allow anyone to re-enter the building to collect personal possessions until it was pointed out that the residents had a legal right to leave with their belongings.

After a brief stand off during which local hate figure and arch-bastard Richard Midda threatened to come down to the building to negotiate the bailiffs finally agreed to bring out most of the equipment remaining in the building. Several people howeverare still waiting for their clothes and other personal possessions.

No arrests were made during the eviction.

It seems that Midda bottled out of a chance to speak to the squatters and locals about his actions and his plans for the building.

So it seems that parasitic landlord Midda’s long term plans for the Vortex remain unclear however in the short term it seems the building will be occupied by 24 hour security. A call has gone out to respect the security guard’s peace and quiet, no banging on the door at 2am and absolutely no attempts to hound them out of Stoke Newington like the cowardly dogs they are.

Morale remains high and Stoke Newington may see another Social Centre soon, meanwhile the campaign to keep the ex-Vortex building for community use will continue.

pics at http://johnnyvoid.blogspot.com/2007/03/ast-stand-at-ex-vortex.html

Vortex Being Evicted!

6.03.2007 5:25am

The Vortex Social Centre is being evicted now. People needed urgently to get down to 141 Church Street, Stoke Newington, N16 and show support. Bring noise making equipment.

6.03.2007 5:25am

The Vortex Social Centre is being evicted now. People needed urgently to get down to 141 Church Street, Stoke Newington, N16 and show support. Bring noise making equipment.

documentary: Reclaim Power – voices from the camp for climate action 2006

In the summer of 2006, 600 people convinced that there is no time to waste set up a Camp for Climate Action in the shadow of one of the biggest C02 emitters in Europe: Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire / UK. Cine Rebelde produced a documentary film about the camp.

Climate change is now a reality. Leading scientists across the world agree that in a ’business as usual scenario’ we have no longer than 10 years to prevent 2-3 degrees of additional global arming that will lead to irreversible climatic changes with dramatic consequences for our planet.

However, in a world driven by profit and committed to unlimited economic growth, humanity seems very unwilling to change the course of the fossil fuel economy.

In the summer of 2006, the 5th hottest year ever recorded in recent history, 600 people convinced that there is no time to waste set up a Camp for Climate Action in the shadow of one of the biggest C02 emitters in Europe: Drax coal-fired power station in Yorkshire / UK.

With over one hundred workshops on a wide range of topics, the 10 day camp was a space of collective learning, sustainable living and taking direct action on the root causes of climate change. The gathering that showed practical low energy solutions in action, culminated in a day of protest and mass direct action in an attempt to shut down Drax.

DVD 62min + extras
English with subtitles in English, French, German and Spanish
reports on indymedia UK: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2006/climatecamp/

Trailer download: 2:58 min
http://www.cinerebelde.org/site.php3?id_article=356〈=en

a cine rebelde production in cooperation with http://risingtide.org.uk and http://climatecamp.org.uk

indymedia reports of the Camp 2006:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/actions/2006/climatecamp/

Pictures, information and film orders:
orders@cinerebelde.org
http://www.cinerebelde.org

DVDs will also soon be available from rising tide, climate camp groups and at the meeting in Bristol.

* * * * * *
Preparations for the Camp for Climate Action 2007 are in full swing. The upcoming meeting will be in Bristol on March 17th /18th.

Rising Tide North America is currently doing a Road Show. Check out:
http://risingtidenorthamerica.org

Police evicts social centre ‘Ungdomshuset’ in Copenhagen (& solidarity demo in London)

1.03.2007

After a long political and legal battle the basis-democratic, alternative political and cultural centre ‘Ungdomshuset’ was forcefully evicted by riot police and airborne anti-terror squads this morning. Ensuing demonstrations have seen large-scale confrontations between protestors and heavy-handed police, here is the full story from Copenhagen.

After serious social conflicts and uprisings by the autonomist and squatting movements in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the subsequent ‘Ungdomshuset’ was offered as part of a political compromise to the activists. The mainly young activists dubbed it ‘Ungdomshuset’ (‘The Youth House’), and started running various cultural and political activities out of there. It has for many years served as one of the only multicultural, basis-democratic collectives/community centres in Copenhagen, with the exception of the Freetown Christiania. Property rights remained in the hands of the local council, which in 1999 decided to disregard the previous political compromise and sell the house to the highest bidder.

In 2003 the fundamentalist Christian sect ‘Faderhuset’, which had bought the property in 2001 prompted the authorities to evict the ‘Ungdomshuset’ and its users. Despite many demonstrations in support of ‘Ungdomshuset’ Faderhuset won the ensuing courtcase and the politicians avoided serious involvement in the conflict, despite the political nature of the case. Many domestic demonstrations saw alleged police brutality and in December an ‘Ungdomshuset’ demonstration turned into a major confrontation between activists from all over Europe and the police. Subsequently the ‘Ungdomshuset’ was fortified in order to avoid an eviction and return the issue to the political arena.

This morning at 7:00 AM the anti-terror squad landed on the roof of the ‘Ungdomshuset’ via helicopters, while riot-police sealed off the street and attacked using teargas from below. As the whole area is closed off no documentation of the action and police-behaviour can take place. Some witnesses say that teargas and police violence was plentiful, although the eviction happened swiftly and according to police in a ‘relatively calm manner’.

Later in the day activists from all over Copenhagen rushed to protest the eviction of ‘Ungdomshuset’, they were met by aggressive policemen in riot gear blocking the street arresting suspected troublemakers with many resulting injuries. The demonstrators fought back and tried to reclaim the ‘Ungdomshuset’, but were repelled and activists took to the nearby streets and started building barricades, while engaging police in skirmishes.

The neighbourhoods has been entirely shut down by local residents and activists: actions and demonstrations have taken place all over Copenhagen with more planned for the following days and weeks. While sympathisers from all over Europe have been rushing in, although police are attempting to detain suspected activists at the borders. Furthermore solidarity demonstrations are under way in Germany, Norway and Sweden.

The house has functioned as a political and cultural centre, home to political demonstrations, political debates, concerts and many more cultural events since 1982. It has served as a basis-democratic remainder that ‘another world is possible’ until this morning… The actions of solidarity taking place all over Europe, as well as Russia and Australia are greatly appreciated. Please join in and support the struggle for autonomous commons and the resistance against the neoliberal repression. The homepage of ‘Ungdomshuset’ has been shot down but a mirror has been set up (in English) at: http://www.ungeren.dk/en.php3?id_rubrique=4
Furthermore updates can be found on http://indymedia.dk/article/885 and http://indymedia.dk/article/878
Also here is a short video-introduction produced before the eviction http://www.ungeren.dk/spip.php?article79

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday DEMO Danish Embassy LONDON

01.03.2007 19:36
Meet 2pm HYDE PARK CORNER, inside on park FRIDAY 2nd MARCH
Bring banners, flags…

Please circulate on www and email lists

See you there
Support the squatters…show solidarity!!!

Royal Danish Embassy in London, Great Britain
55 Sloane Street
London SW1X 9SR
Great Britain

Phone: 00 44 (0)20 7333 0200
Fax: 00 44 (0)20 7333 0270
Email: lonamb@um.dk

Save Rospuda Valley Demonstration, London, 9 March 2007

A ‘Save the Rospuda Valley’ demonstration will take place on Friday, 9th March 2007 at 16.30, outside the Polish Embassy, 47 Portland Place, London.

Residents in 16 Polish towns are protesting in opposition to the building of the ‘Via Baltic Expressway’ through the Rospuda River Valley – the last such natural treasure of its kind in Europe.

The protest camp set up on 13 February aims to delay the work. Protestors are sleeping in and amongst the trees, in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Centigrade (use the links below to view recent footage of the conditions at the camp):

The camp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaZiKfyRLdM&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ_fWfQ2mjo&NR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44IySFbtmGc&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW41XY4eofQ&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZS41nBvZcM&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSVlnNVb6jM&mode=related&search=

Olecko town feeds the protesters – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQJeoAdtJo&mode=related&search=

Further information concerning the situation, along with updates from the camp are also available at (these sites feature articles in English language):

www.viabalticainfo.org
www.dolina-rospudy.pl
http://www.zieloni.org.pl/

Donations can be made to:
Description: “Rospuda”
Account Number (IBAN): 44 16801206 0000 3000 1447 1454
Fundacja Instytut Spraw Obywatelskich
ul. Wieckowiskiego 33/127 90-734 Lódz
Nazwa banku / oddział: Invest Bank
Swiftcode (BIC): * *IVSEPL PP

The Campaign Against Prison Slavery

The Campaign Against Prison Slavery is a group set up to try to expose the reality of prison labour, how little of it teaches skills that can be used after release and which could help reduce the chances of re-offending.

We also seek to expose the private companies that have contracts with prisons that are making huge profits using prisoner labour while the prisoners are paid pennies an hour, any loses incurred by the prison industries contracts are covered by the tax payer.

CAPS now has a new website www.againstprisonslavery.org and the contact details are:

Campaign Against Prison Slavery
P.O. Box 74
Brighton
BN1 4ZQ
E-mail: againstprisonslavery@riseup.net