anti- Fracking protesters shut down the country’s only hydrolic fracturing rig – again!

1.12.11

1.12.11

Activists settle in for long-term occupation of toxic new industry which threatens the West Country

The controversial proposed Fracking site in Hesketh Bank, Lancashire was shut down this morning as 8 Bristol cyclists stormed the drilling rig. Three of the climate justice campaigners from Bristol Rising Tide scaled the Cuadrilla Resources equipment with supplies and have declared their intention to stop work for several days.

The drilling rig is the only operation of it's kind working in the country, after a similar exploratory site in Blackpool was shut down in the spring because it induced two earthquakes in the area. [1]

Liz Sparks, a spokesperson for Bristol Rising Tide, explained the potential dangers of fracking in the South West:

“Large parts of Wales, Devon, Somerset and Dorest are potentially under threat from this desperate new technology, which involves extracting the gas in shale rock through Hydraulic Fracturing, (or fracking) [2]. Huge amounts of water mixed with toxic chemicals are forced into the ground at high pressure, a large proportion of which are never recovered. This fluid also leaches arsenic out of rocks, creating a dangerous cocktail that’s difficult to dispose of. In the United states numerous spills of these fluids have contaminated irrigation water, effecting food supplies, and the health of surrounding communities." [3]

The same site was occupied last month by another group– “Frack Off”, and local community resistance across the country is gaining ground. [4]

Paul Williams, who works in a Bristol Library, was among the protestors. He commented:

"People simply aren’t going to stand by and let this crazy extreme sneak into our landscape. We've been inspired by the remarkable work of our neighbours in Wales. Glamorgan county council recently voted unanimously against an application to Frack the area.[5] This decision was influenced by Welsh Water's submission that reserve groundwater sites are at risk of contamination. We can stop this before it starts if we act now. If you want earthquakes, runaway climate change, contaminated water, and a threat to agricultural production then Fracking's the way forward. If you want energy security and more jobs per kilowatt hour, go with renewables [6]. It's a no brainer."

The industry is quick to point to the US experience of fracking, but their safety record there is on increasingly shaky ground. New York State has just instituted a moratorium against fracking, as has Quebec, Canada. France has banned it outright, as has New Jersey in the US. [7]

Twitter: Follow the action on twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BrisRisingTide (BrisRisingTide)

Photos and videos updated in real-time on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/71113300@N08/ (Bristol Rising Tide)

For more info see: www.frack-off.org
And www.risingtide.org.uk/bristol

Earth First! Winter Moot 2012 – 24-26th February 2012. Updated: location & what to expect

A weekend of discussion and networking for those taking direct action against ecological destruction. 

Please note date & location change (due to date clash & venue problems):

24-26th February 2012, near Glasgow

Nearest train station: Lanark.

A weekend of discussion and networking for those taking direct action against ecological destruction. 

Please note date & location change (due to date clash & venue problems):

24-26th February 2012, near Glasgow

Nearest train station: Lanark.

See earthfirstgathering.org.uk for further information about location,  programme and contact details

Update:

Where – this years Earth First Winter Moot will take place in Glespin Village Hall, South Lanarkshire. Glespin is a small village about 14 miles south of Lanark, and 35 miles south of Glasgow. South Lanarkshire also has many beautiful areas with rivers, hills, forests and peat bogs.  Full directions

What to expect – this years Earth First! Winter Moot takes place in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. In a months time environmentalists from across the UK and beyond will converge to discuss and debate. Below is an update from the organising collective who are working on the program.

The Moot 2012 collective has felt that at previous EF! Gatherings groups have primarily attended to recruit for their respective campaigns. Yet those who attend EF! Gatherings are predominantly already active, making them good places for networking, but not necessarily for outright recruitment. We recognise the effort gathering organisers put into planning agendas but often the more discursive aspects of the gatherings focus on larger,  abstract questions and debates have often been framed by self-appointed experts. We feel that these discussions ineffectively attempt to find answers or reach consensus where this is inappropriate.

For example at the first EF! Gathering 20 years ago the question was asked: 'What is EF!?' 20 years later in 2011 at the last Moot the same question was still being asked . . .

The answer is EF! is what we make it, and this year we are going to make it a space in which we can approach our campaigns both critically and analytically by asking more specific and practical questions. Our activism should be constantly evolving not stuck in a rut asking the same questions again and again.

The agenda will be designed to ask questions around four key issues: the tactics we use; the strategies that we employ in our campaigns; community solidarity; and sustainable activism. There will be no attempt to reach conclusions or consensus especially about what EF! is. Instead we want to have discussions that lead to new ideas that could evolve ongoing campaigns or give creative inspiration to ones that are just getting started.

A free space will be provided in which campaigns will be able to hold meetings and have further discussions if they wish, and there will also be some space given for campaign updates with an emphasis on honest analysis rather than promotion.

For updates and more info check the website or email us.

efwintermoot@noflag.org.uk

Natural Gas Drilling Rig Stormed by Anti-Fracking Protesters

2.11.11

2.11.11

This morning nine people, from the national anti- fracking network from Frack Off, have halted work at Cuadrilla Resources drilling site in Hesketh Bank, Lancashire. They ran on to the Fracking site early this morning and scaled the drilling rig using climbing equipment. They aim to sit on top of the drilling rig for as long as possible to stop the drilling.

The action is aimed at highlighting the hypocrisy behind the ‘Shale Gas Environmental Summit’ starting today in London: a conference sponsored by a host of companies involved in the oil and gas industry who are trying to spin the rapid expansion into the untapped fossil fuel as ‘green’ [1].

Campaigners are acting in support of the ‘Frack Mob’ mass action happening outside the summit at 3pm later today [2].

Both actions aim to counter the PR offensive of the shale gas industry and bring public attention to the harm fracking has been linked to.

Hydraulic Fracturing, or ‘fracking’ is a controversial method of natural gas extraction, in which a mixture of water, sand and chemicals is injected into the ground at high pressure, cracking shale rock and releasing the gas [3]. It has been the subject of much contention due to numerous reports linking the method to water contamination, health problems and earthquakes [4]. The industry is in its infancy in the UK, and there are plans for up to 800 wells in Lancashire alone [5].

Jenny Boykin, a spokesperson for Frack Off, said “Fracking uses huge amounts of water mixed with toxic chemicals, a large fraction of which are never recovered. The fracking fluid also leaches chemicals like arsenic out of the rocks when it is used making it even more toxic and so the fluid that is recovered becomes a big disposal problem. The contamination of irrigation water means that everyone’s food supplies could potentially be affected. Fracking in the United States has already resulted in numerous spills of these fluids.”

Colin Eastman, one of the climbers, said, “Conventional fossil fuels have begun to run out and the system is moving towards more extreme forms of energy like fracking, tar sands, and deep water drilling. The move towards ‘extreme energy’ is literally scrapping the bottom of the barrel, sucking the last most difficult to reach fossil fuels from the planet at a time when we should be rapidly reducing our consumption altogether and looking for sustainable alternatives. In the UK fracking for shale gas is planned alongside, not instead of, extraction of conventional fossil fuels like coal.”

Pictures are being uploaded here:  http://s.coop/7hwi

Look at the website for more info: www.frack-off.org
Follow us on twitter: @frack_off
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/frackoffuk
Or e-mail:  media@frack-off.org
Phone: 07931195505

Notes:
[1] Environmental summit details:  http://www.smi-online.co.uk/events/overview.asp?is=0&ref=3742

[2] press release for the frack mob:  http://frack-off.org.uk/press-release-anti-fracking-protesters-plan-to-shut-down-an-industry-environmental-summit/

[3] short film explaining what fracking is:
 http://frack-off.org.uk/fracking-hell/watch-the-film/

[4]  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2050025/Earthquakes-Lancashire-coast-WERE-caused-drilling-gas-experts-warn-energy-operation-threatened-closure.html

[5]  http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/sep/21/gas-field-blackpool-dallas-sea

Ryanair ejected by Manchester students

October 29, 2011

Ryanair had to cancel a marketing event at the University of Manchester Students Union earlier this week after students dismantled their promotional stall in protest against the company's record on the environment and workers' rights.

October 29, 2011

Ryanair had to cancel a marketing event at the University of Manchester Students Union earlier this week after students dismantled their promotional stall in protest against the company's record on the environment and workers' rights.

Ryanair had advertised to hold a stall from 12pm to 3pm last Thursday (29th October 2011) . However, at 12.30pm, a group of around nine students began dismantling the company's banners and display boards and popping their promotional balloons. The Ryanair sales team soon left the building.

Students said the action was in anger at Ryanair's disregard for the dangers of climate change by aggressively marketing cheap flights. They said the action was also taken in solidarity with disgruntled Ryan Air workers. Last August, Ryanair worker John Foley staged a rooftop protest at Liverpool John Lennon Airport against the company's anti-union activities and poor record on workers rights.

Physics student Catherine Redcliffe said, "Ryain Air's relentless pursuit of profit over all other concerns is trampling on workers rights and endangering our future at the same time. The aviation industry takes more money out of Northwest region than it puts in."

Nonetheless, Ryanair seemed adamant that the day had been a success claiming that their staff were "about to pack up and head home" when the stall was disrupted at 12.30pm, even though they intended to stay until 3pm.  Spokesperson Stephen McNamara said, "Ryanair thanks the Plane Stupid clowns for once again turning a good promo into a great promo."

Student Union democracy

The students, who did not claim to be from any particular group, were further angered at Student Union management for renting the space to Ryan Air in the first place. Previously, students had voted that their Union should campaign on climate issues and not have business relations with environmentally-damaging companies.

Geography student Marc Hempton, 20, said, "I wanted to show how Ryanair's presence was a breach of our democratic process. This is my Union and our collective decision had been sidelined by unelected management. We shouldn't allow environmentally damaging companies in our Union where we have fought for positive policies on climate change and against relationships with unethical companies. I'm glad we sent them packing for the day."

On Wednesday, activists had petitioned the Union management with letters signed by students to cancel the promotional event. Management refused, saying that Ryanair stall was bringing in extra cash.

Hempton added, "In some ways, this is a microcosm of problems regarding climate change and workers rights. Where making a quick profit is prioritised at the expense of people and our environment, it makes it harder to address these issues and creates bigger costs further down the line."

manchester@climatecamp.org.uk

 

3rd October: Manchester occupied!

Yesterday saw the occupation of Albert Square in Manchester outside the town hall. Throughout the afternoon and evening several open mic assembly sessions were held with people speaking about various issues with the common themes being resistance to cuts, community organising, direct democracy, and occupations. There was also a sound system pumping out tunes and some dancing in the rain.

Yesterday saw the occupation of Albert Square in Manchester outside the town hall. Throughout the afternoon and evening several open mic assembly sessions were held with people speaking about various issues with the common themes being resistance to cuts, community organising, direct democracy, and occupations. There was also a sound system pumping out tunes and some dancing in the rain.

The persistent rain proved to be a discouraging factor and after several hours the size of the crowd pretty much matched the size of the tarps strung across lamposts to provide some cover (earlier the police had tried to prevent people rigging up the shelters).

Later in the evening people heckled guests attending tory party fringe meetings at the town hall and the police went around grabbing beers off a few people.

Around 9pm a group of 20-30 people with a sound system on their way to the occupation from the squatted convergence centre were hassled by the cops and there were a few arrests.

http://www.occupymanchester.org

new EF! Action Update

In an end of the summer compact EF!AU, find news about kicking shell in the teeth in Rossport again and then some more, solidarity with the community at Dale Farm, and anti-GM resistance – Spuds you Don’t Like demo in England, sabotage in Germany, France and Scotland.

In an end of the summer compact EF!AU, find news about kicking shell in the teeth in Rossport again and then some more, solidarity with the community at Dale Farm, and anti-GM resistance – Spuds you Don’t Like demo in England, sabotage in Germany, France and Scotland.

On top of the usual contacts and dates, read about solidarity with jailed Swiss nanotech activists, resistance against steel plants, mobile phone masts, mining and energy projects here & across the world – stay angry and don’t carry on as usual!

The quarterly EF!AU, August 2011

Get ready for Hinkley blockade – 5th Stop New Nuclear newsletter

Welcome to our fifth Stop New Nuclear newsletter. With little more than two weeks to go, we need to make a last effort to mobilise even more people to the blockade of Hinkley Point on 3 October.

Welcome to our fifth Stop New Nuclear newsletter. With little more than two weeks to go, we need to make a last effort to mobilise even more people to the blockade of Hinkley Point on 3 October. More than 100 people have pledged to blockade, and 150 to support – can we reach the total of 300 pledgers within the next two weeks? Or even 400? Please help us to spread the information, and ask your friends, family, colleagues, … to pledge.

Since our last newsletter, we were able to welcome CND Cymru as a new member of the Stop New Nuclear alliance, and we also received more organisational pledges, among them Cumbria and Lancashire CND, No Need for Nuclear, Stop Oldbury, and the French Sortir du Nucleaire. This broad support is important, as it shows the strength of our resistance against new nuclear power stations in Britain.

News about Hinkley Point

We have been told that West Somerset Council and Electricite de France (EDF) have now reached an agreement about the money to be paid by EDF (section 106 agreement),and this agreement will probably go through the Council’s planning committee on 29 September. Once that happened, EDF will have a green light to start with the preliminary works for Hinkley Point C, even though it has not even applied to the Infrastructure Planning Commission for the reactors themselves.

However, EDF is already late with the removal of asbestos from the site, which has been left over from the construction of Hinkley Point A. According to the planning conditions, work should have been completed by 31 August, but it is still continuing, and EDF is now applying for an extension until February 2012. Although EDF is in breach of the conditions attached to its planning permission, County Council planners have decided not to take any action. The Council is concerned,however, that if the work continues into the winter months it could disturb migratory birds which fly along the coast past Hinkley Point (see Stop Hinkley press release, 14 September 2011).

The Environment Agency is presently consulting on two environmental permit applications in relation to Hinkley Point C: make disposals and discharges of radioactive wastes operate combustion processes (standby generators).

Objections to both applications need to be in by 6 October 2011.

More information is available on the website of the Environment Agency at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/132474.aspx.

The Marcoule nuclear plant in the south of France on Monday 12 September which killed one worker and injured four others, highlighted again the dangers of nuclear power. The plant, which is partly run by a subsidiary of EDF, stores large quantities of radioactive waste and produces mixed oxide (MOX) reactor fuel containing plutonium. There are also a number of decommissioned reactors from the early years of the French nuclear programme.

Stop Hinkley responded with the following statement:

“The accident in France is a sobering reminder of what can go wrong when a country commits itself so heavily to nuclear power, including all the problems associated with handling radioactive waste. Yet we are now proposing to import French technology to Hinkley Point and store waste there for 100 years or more. After Fukushima in Japan this accident serves as yet another tragic reminder of the dangers of nuclear power and the urgent need for the UK government to follow the lead taken by Germany in phasing it out.” (see http://stophinkley.org/Health/ExplosionSept2011.htm)

Training

Several Stop New Nuclear trainings for the blockade of Hinkley Point took place in recent weeks – in Bristol, Swansea, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Compton Dundon, and today in London. Two more trainings will take place:

Exeter, Sunday, 25 September
A non-violence training for people from Exeter interested in participating in the Stop New Nuclear blockade of Hinkley Point on 3 October will take place on Sunday, 25 September 2011 from 1pm to 5.00pm.
Place: University of Exeter, Streatham Campus, Amory Building, Room 105
Contact: exeter [at] stopnewnuclear.org.uk

Leeds, Sunday, 25 September
A non-violence training for people from Yorkshire interested in
participating in the Stop New Nuclear blockade of Hinkley Point on 3 October will take place on Sunday, 25 September 2011 from 2.00pm to 6.00pm.
Place: Leeds Metropolitan University – City Campus, LS1 3HE, Caleverley Building, Room CL 309
Contact: Yorkshire CND, phone 01274 730 795, Email dominic [at] yorkshirecnd.org.uk

We will not able to organise more trainings in the two weeks before the blockade, but for everyone who still wants to participate in a training, there will be several training sessions in the camp on the weekend before the blockade:

Saturday, 1 October, 7.30-10.30pm
Sunday, 2 October, 8.00-11.00am and 2.00-5.00pm

Legal observer/legal support workshop Sunday 3.00-5.00pm

Please register if you want to take part in any of these workshops at training [at]stopnewnuclear.org.uk, especially if you do not want to stay in the camp. You can also register by calling our info number 0845-2872381.

Register for the Stop New Nuclear camp!

We already have more than 45 people registered for the Stop New Nuclear camp, which is about 4 miles from Hinkley Point. The camp will be a space to prepare for the action (non-violence training and legal observer training workshops will take place in the camp on Saturday evening and Sunday during the day), but also a place to meet other activists, to share experience, and to make plans for the future.

Please note that the camp will be alcohol and drug free, and that dogs are not allowed, as there are sheep nearby.

It is important that you register for the camp, so that we can plan food, but also so that we can send you the exact location and directions how to get to the camp. Your can register on our website at http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk/register.

Demonstration in Bridgwater, 1 October

Our weekend of actions will kick off with a demonstration in Bridgwater on 1 October. We will have several speakers, music, and possibly other performances.

Assembly is from 1pm on at Kings Square in Bridgwater, next to the EDF offices. From there we will walk about 20-30 minutes through Bridgwater and end the demonstration with a rally at Cornhill.

After the demonstration, a shuttle service will be organised to the Stop New Nuclear camp. There is also a local bus, and we will end in time for people to catch the local bus.

A map marking the assembly point and the location of the rally is
available at http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk/node/48.

Transport and parking

On 3 October, we will organise transport from the camp to the blockade, and back to the camp. But we will need your help! Let us know if you have spare seats in your car, or if you are willing to drive a car/minibus. We still need drivers! Please contact us urgently on campaign [at] stopnewnuclear.org.uk.

Transport is also being organised from Glastonbury (a coach will be leaving at 9am,to arrive at 10am), Bristol, and possibly from other places. Please check out our transport section at http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk/transport, and use our travel forum to ask for and offer transport.

Parking will be available about 200-300m from the main gate on Wicks Moor Drove, the main and only access road to Hinkley Point. However, this parking is not suitable for coaches. Coaches will need to drop off their passengers and park elsewhere.

We need your help

We need a lot of help to make the campaign a success. We need:
Drivers (30 September – 4 October, transport to and from the camp, to and from the blockade, and from police stations).
1st aiders (for the camp and the blockade)
marquees of any size – from 10-100 persons

Please contact us at campaign [at] stopnewnuclear.org.uk if you can help, or have any questions.

Mobilise!

Two weeks to go. Two weeks to make this campaign and the blockade a success. Please help us mobilise for the campaign. If you need fliers (see http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk/node/10), please let us know, and we will send you some as long as stock lasts. And talk to your friends, neighbours, colleagues and anyone you can think of to join you at the blockade. We need to send a strong message to EDF and government that we will resist nuclear new built in Britain, not only at Hinkley, but everywhere.

Donate

Stop New Nuclear is being organised on a shoe string budget, and we need your donations to make the blockade a success. We need to hire minibuses and other transport for the blockade, we need to set up infrastructure for trainings and workshops in the camp, we need to print more fliers, and and and. Unfortunately, all this costs money.

According to our present calculations, we will be about £1,300 short! Please help us to close this funding shortfall urgently.

Please give generously. You can donate online at
http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk/donate, or you can send a cheque made payable to StopNew Nuclear to:
Stop New Nuclear
c/o 5 Caledonian Road
London N1 9DX
Thank you!

Stop New Nuclear
Stop New Nuclear is a campaign to stop new nuclear power stations and is an alliance of Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Stop Nuclear Power Network UK, Kick Nuclear, South West Against Nuclear, Shutdown Sizewell, Sizewell Blockaders, Trident Ploughshares, and Stop Hinkley

Email: campaign@stopnewnuclear.org.uk
Web: http://stopnewnuclear.org.uk

Occupy! Manchester – 2nd October Tory Party Conference

From 2-5 October 2011 the Conservative Party are coming to Manchester to hold their annual conference. All eyes will be on this city as the Tory’s analyse their progress in implementing their disastrous program of public sector spending cuts, and reveal plans for the years ahead. This conference should not go unopposed. We intend to make the opposition to the cuts and the widely shared belief in a better alternative future visible, and we’d like to do this with you!

From 2-5 October 2011 the Conservative Party are coming to Manchester to hold their annual conference. All eyes will be on this city as the Tory’s analyse their progress in implementing their disastrous program of public sector spending cuts, and reveal plans for the years ahead. This conference should not go unopposed. We intend to make the opposition to the cuts and the widely shared belief in a better alternative future visible, and we’d like to do this with you!

Tories not welcome!

We have been inspired by the large and vibrant student protests that took place last winter, by the dynamic and high-impact actions of UK Uncut, and by the popular demonstrations we are witnessing across North Africa, the Middle East, Spain and Greece. The times are changing and people are speaking out against injustice and inequality.

What are you planning to do?

We need to try new forms of opposition. We have marched in our tens of thousands at previous party conferences, and in our hundreds of thousands in London. Crucial as they are, more marches in bigger numbers will not be enough. As the anti-war protests of 2003 showed, the government finds them easy to ignore. As anger at the Con-Dem cuts grows we need to make it more visible.

The cuts are for the benefit of the rich – we refuse to pay for their crisis!

The TUC have called a national demonstration to be held in Manchester on Sunday October 2nd. That afternoon anti-cuts protestors will occupy Albert Square to create an assembly of protest on the doorstep of the Tory’s conference, a symbol of the mass opposition to the cuts and a place for real
debate and discussion about the alternatives and the possibilities.

Come ready to make noise, and stay for the long haul!

Occupy!MCR

Supporters so far:

* Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union – Manchester and Merseyside.
* Education Activist Network.
* Geoff Brown, Secretary of the Manchester TUC (pc).
* Manchester Book Bloc.
* The Manchester Green and Black Cross.
* Manchester UKuncut.
* Manchester University Staff against the Cuts.
* Manchester University Student Union.
* Queer Resistance North-West.
* Real Democracy Manchester.
* Shift Magazine.
* Socialist Workers Party.
* Socialist Worker Student Society.

ASS needs you!

The Advisory Service for Squatters releases its first newsletter… and wants your help!

The hardworking bunch at the Advisory Service for Squatters have just released their annual report in the form of a newsletter.

Its full of as much information, juicy gossip and as many requests for help that you can fit on two sides of A4!

The Advisory Service for Squatters releases its first newsletter… and wants your help!

The hardworking bunch at the Advisory Service for Squatters have just released their annual report in the form of a newsletter.

Its full of as much information, juicy gossip and as many requests for help that you can fit on two sides of A4!

have a look here!: http://ompldr.org/vYTU5Zg/final-for-viewing.pdf

There are articles on the consultation papers, undercover infiltrators and the ASS’s opinion on an ex-member’s new anti-squat company.

They are also asking for assistance! ASS currently need volunteers for office shifts, volunteers for tasks outside the office and CASH!!!

If you can help with:

volunteering to do some time in the office
putting on a benefit gig/cafe/cinema etc
translation (documents to print or communications)
printing
archiving

…or in any other way you can think of then drop us a line at friendsoftheass@gmail.com

Please distribute!!

Final for printing (3MB): http://ompldr.org/vOXo0eA/final-for-printing.pdf

The Black Fish is looking for crew members

The marine protection organisation The Black Fish is looking for people to join its direct action team and future ship’s crew.

The marine protection organisation The Black Fish is looking for people to join its direct action team and future ship’s crew. “In order to be effective in our marine conservation campaigns, we need to be out at sea, opposing the most destructive fishing and hunting activities, where they happen away from the public eye.” For this reason The Black Fish is working towards the purchase of an ocean going vessel and is looking for crew members.

“There are possibilities opening up to us which might see us getting access to a vessel in the near future. We need a crew for the initial overhaul of this ship and preparing it for its first campaign.” according to Wietse van der Werf, spokesperson for the organisation.

The Black Fish has launched a crew application page where people can apply for voluntary crew positions. “We are looking for people with sailing experience but this is not a necessity for the entire crew. Willingness and dedication to commit time and hard work to make future campaigns of The Black Fish a success, that is a must.”

Any questions related to crewing with The Black Fish, please see the crewing page on our website or contact the crewing coordinator at crew@theblackfish.org

We look forward to your application!

http://www.theblackfish.org/