CLIMATE ACTION NEWS SHEET 77, MARCH 2008

CONTENTS:
———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-
1) FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – INTERNATIONAL, 1.4.08
2) MAYDAY! MAYDAY! INVASION OF THE CLIMATE SNATCHERS – INT’L, 1.5.08

CONTENTS:
———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-
1) FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – INTERNATIONAL, 1.4.08
2) MAYDAY! MAYDAY! INVASION OF THE CLIMATE SNATCHERS – INT’L, 1.5.08
3) CLIMATE ACTION WITH A BITE! – INTERNATIONAL, 3.6.08
4) “PEOPLE ARE STILL THE SAME” – BRECON, 8.3.08
5) PADDY’S DAY OF ACTION AGAINST SHELL – IRELAND AND BEYOND, 17.3.08
6) BIKES NOT BOMBS TOUR – LONDON TO ALDERMASTON, 22-24.3.08
7) TERMINAL 5 FLASHMOB – HEATHROW, 27.3.08
8) CLIMATE BILL PUBLIC MEETING – LONDON, 22.4.08
9) COIN WORKSHOPS – NATIONAL, MARCH-APRIL 2008
10) NATIONAL CLIMATE FORUM – LONDON, 14-15.6.08
11) EARTH ACTIVIST TRAINING – GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 12-26.7.08
12) ENVIRONMENT CAMPAIGNER AWARD – 2008
13) LILI COURSES IN APRIL – BUCKS/LONDON/SHEFFIELD

———————————————-
RECENT HAPPENINGS:
———————————————-
1) CLIMATE EMERGENCY AT HEATHROW, THEN WESTMINSTER – 25.2.08 / 27.2.08
2) RATCLIFFE ACTION VERDICT – NOTTINGHAM, 25.2.08
3) BP AMERICA, EXXON MOBIL AND CO. IN THE DOCK – ALASKA, 27.2.08
4) HANDS OFF IRAQI OIL! ACTIONS – UK AND NETHERLANDS, 23.2.08
5) EARTH FIRST! BLOCKADES POWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION – FLORIDA, 18.2.08
6) RTNA/EARTHFIRST! PIPELINE ACTION – PORTLAND, U.S. 23.1.08
7) SABOTAGE AT GLENSANDA – YORKSHIRE, FEBRUARY 2008
8) PLANKTOS DUMPING SCHEME DEFEATED BY ANTI-WHALERS – MADEIRA, 14.2.08
9) COMMUNITY HALTS SHELL – IRELAND, 12.2.08
10) CRITICAL MASS HERO CLEARED – BRISTOL, 7.2.08
11) KLIMAX SURGE ON! – SWEDEN, JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008
12) TARA CAMPAIGN UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2008
13) 15 ACTIONS TO TOPPLE THE FOSSIL FUEL EMPIRE – FEBRUARY 2008
14) RISING TIDE POP-ED RESOURCE PACK – FEBRUARY 2008
15) “RISING TO THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE” BOOKLET – FEBRUARY 2008
16) “BURNING CAPITAL” – FEBRUARY 2008
17) SPIRIT OF FREEDOM – FEBRUARY 2008
18) CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS CENTRE – FEBRUARY UPDATE 2008
19) “THE AGE OF STUPID” – FEBRUARY 2008
20) AIRPORT WATCH BULLETIN – FEBRUARY 2008
21) CAUSE CLIMATE CHANGE – WEBSITE 2008

———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-
1) FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – INTERNATIONAL, 1.4.08
Roll up, roll up…the circus is coming to town, and it’s going to be big!
For over a century the fossil fuel industry has been fooling with our lives. From extraction to combustion they have poisoned our air, polluted
our water and ruined our climate. On April 1st, we’re going to turn the
tables and show them who the real fools are. Rising Tide’s call has been
backed by Network for Climate Action, Global Exchange and Rainforest
Action Network. There are actions planned across the country and around
the world – let us know what you get up to! (Or tell us in advance if you
can and we’ll help spread the word, get media attention, etc.) Contact
local groups or just do it yourself. Show the fossil fool clowns what you
think of their freakshow – It’s time to Pull a Prank that Packs a Punch!
Resources and ideas are available from;
http://risingtide.org.uk/fossilfoolsday/resources
http://www.networkforclimateaction.org.uk/
Also see; http://www.fossilfoolsday.org/
and; http://risingtide.org.uk/node/241
Contact no: 07961 917 535

2) MAYDAY! MAYDAY! INVASION OF THE CLIMATE SNATCHERS – INTERNATIONAL, 1.5.08
From biofuels to nuclear power, carbon-trading to hydrogen fuel cells,
dumping urine in the ocean to carbon capture – everywhere corporations are
seeking the elusive elixir which allows them to continue with business as
usual. All these technologies are a distraction from the real solutions –
a massive reduction in our consumption and far-reaching social change. On
May 1st, International Workers Day, we will challenge these false
solutions to climate chaos.
http://networkforclimateaction.org.uk

3) CLIMATE ACTION WITH A BITE! – INTERNATIONAL, 3.6.08
Climate action starts on your dinner plate, in the supermarket, at the
food processing and distribution centres, on the farm, in your allotment
or your back yard. The foods we eat are responsible for about a third of
our greenhouse emissions. It’s time for us to switch to plant-based,
organic, seasonal and locally produced food. Whether you’re into local
food, permaculture, animal rights, allotments, humanitarian issues, food
politics or transport campaigning, make the links and take action to
highlight the role of the food industry in climate chaos.
http://networkforclimateaction.org.uk

4) “PEOPLE ARE STILL THE SAME” – BRECON, 8.3.08
A one-day event showcasing artworks created in response to interviews,
dialogues and documentation of the construction of the South Wales gas
pipeline.
From 3pm till dusk: Current State Dystopia – a video projection in the
tunnel underneath the A40 road and: Books – a sound and slide installation
in Dingle Wood. 6pm: Going Home – projection and music in Penpont Church.
RSVP morag@cooptel.net or telephone 01874 636269 www.penpont.com

5) PADDY’S DAY OF ACTION AGAINST SHELL – IRELAND AND BEYOND, 17.3.08
This year´s St Paddy´s day, 17th March, has been called as an
International day of action against shell, in solidarity with the people
of Rossport. People from all over Ireland are set to join forces and show
their united strength by going all the way to London to demonstrate on
Shell´s front door step.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20124
http://gluaiseacht.nologic.org/wordpress

6) BIKES NOT BOMBS TOUR – LONDON TO ALDERMASTON, 22-24.3.08
Bikes not bombs are planning a bicycology bike tour from London to
Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment to mark the 50th anniversary of
the Aldermaston Peace March. The ride is expected to take 3 days
(22nd-24th March). More than 5000 people are expected to attend the
“Surround The Base” event at Aldermaston on the 24th. If you are
interested please email; info@bikesnotbombs.org.uk
Also see www.cnduk.org/aldermaston

7) TERMINAL 5 FLASHMOB – HEATHROW, 27.3.08
Be at T5 International Arrivals at 11am to put on (or strip to reveal)
your brightly coloured “Stop Airport Expansion” t-shirt: a visible
presence of public opposition to the madness of airport expansion. Wander
round for a bit, have a coffee, leave when you like. Wearing a t-shirt is
not (yet) a crime!
Order your free T-shirt today: stopairportexpansion@gmail.com or 0845 458
2564.
The Government/BAA see the opening day of Terminal Five (the biggest
terminal ever built in the UK, and the subject of the longest Public
Inquiry in British history) as an opportunity to put the case for further
airport expansion. Join the flash mob to highlight the real problems that
airport expansion causes: climate change, noise, air pollution and
community destruction.
http://www.t5flashmob.com/

8) CLIMATE BILL PUBLIC MEETING – LONDON, 22.4.08
Friends Meeting House, Euston, London, 7.30pm. A chance to attend a public
meeting with Hilary Benn MP (Environment Secretary) and Peter Ainsworth
(Shadow Environment Secretary) and join the calls for a strong climate
change law.
More info: howard.whitehead@foe.co.uk

9) COIN WORKSHOPS – NATIONAL, MARCH-APRIL 2008
(a) Climate Change Condensed will be happening in Cheltenham on the 6th
March.
(b) Climate Action Groups matchmaker evening, Tue 11th March 4:30 –
7:30pm, The Environment Council, London. Anyone who has attended any of
the COIN/TEC series of trainings can attend this for free.
(c) Do you work for the NHS? COIN is offering a tailored Climate Change
Speaker Training in London on March 14th. See;
www.healthandsustainability.net
(d) Communicating Climate Change, a one-day workshop, in partnership with
Vale
Royal Borough Council on Friday, April 11th.
Further trainings coming soon in Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland.
Would you like COIN to run trainings in your local area? – give Mim a call
on 01865 727911 or email mim@coinet.org.uk
See the COIN website for details on all the above; www.coinet.org.uk

10) NATIONAL CLIMATE FORUM – LONDON, 14-15.6.08
This event offers a wide range of workshops and seminars all dealing with
different aspects of the climate change crisis, probable solutions and
future developments in national and international climate policies. Venue;
South Camden Community School, London. Follow the link below to look at
the program and speakers from last year climate conference.
http://www.campaigncc.org/conference.shtml

11) EARTH ACTIVIST TRAINING – GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 12-26.7.08
A permaculture design course and more for activists! Learn the skills to
transform a piece of land, a community, and our political and economic
systems.
COSTS: (Including tuition, two weeks accommodation and all meals) £150 –
£500 sliding scale according to income. If you are interested in taking
part in the course, download an application form from:
http://www.earthactivisttraining.org/
Or write to: Earth Activist Training, c/o 59 Chelsea Park, Bristol, BS5 6AH.

12) ENVIRONMENT CAMPAIGNER AWARD
The Environment Awards (organised by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation) are
an opportunity for grassroots campaigners to receive a bespoke programme
of support and skills development designed to help them take their
campaign to the next level. See www.sheilamckechnie.org.uk for details of
how to apply.

13) LILI COURSES IN APRIL – BUCKS/LONDON/SHEFFIELD
Low-Impact Living Initiative: (01296) 714184 www.lowimpact.org

———————————————-
RECENT HAPPENINGS:
———————————————-
1) CLIMATE EMERGENCY AT HEATHROW, AND THEN WESTMINSTER – 25.2.08 / 27.2.08
On the 27th, campaigners opposed to Heathrow expansion scaled the roof of
the Houses of Parliament and hung protest banners from the building. The
protesters also made paper aeroplanes out of confidential Whitehall
documents and flew them into the MPs’ car park below! The documents –
obtained under the Freedom of Information Act – prove that airport
operator BAA wrote parts of the consultation document and that the
government has already decided to build a 3rd runway and 6th terminal at
the world’s biggest international airport.
http://www.planestupid.com/?q=content/plane-stupid-scales-parliament
Two days earlier Greenpeace campaigners had climbed on to one of
Heathrow’s short-haul flights and covered the tailfin of the plane with a
huge protest banner that read “CLIMATE EMERGENCY – NO 3rd RUNWAY”.
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/blog/climate/climate-campaigners-bring-peaceful-protest-to-heathrow-20080225
Also on the 25th, the Heathrow end-of-consultation rally at Westminster
was a packed-out success, with thousands of residents, politicians and
environmental campaigners pledging to resist plans to extend Heathrow –
http://www.airportwatch.org.uk/
The distribution of 50,000 leaflets and the actions of anarchist art troop
Weird Load helped make the rally such a success:
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20050

2) RATCLIFFE ACTION VERDICT – NOTTINGHAM, 25.2.08
Following their attempts to halt operations and thus diminish CO2
emissions at the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station last April, 10 activists
were recently back in court. Unfortunately the defendants’ defence of
environmental necessity was rejected and they were found guilty. The judge
had earlier said that he wished to compliment all the defendants on the
presentation of their case.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/392323.html

3) BP AMERICA, EXXON MOBIL AND CO. IN THE DOCK – ALASKA, 27.2.08
Meanwhile, in Alaska, lawyers for the native coastal village of Kivalina
have filed a suit arguing that 5 oil companies, 14 electric utilities and
the country’s largest coal company were responsible for the relocation of
villagers because of flooding caused by the changing Arctic climate.
“There has been a long campaign by power, coal and oil companies to
mislead the public about the science of global warming,” the suit says.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/27/us/27alaska.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Flooded+Village+Files+Suit%2C+Citing+Corporate+Link+to+Climate+Change+&st=nyt&oref=slogin

4) HANDS OFF IRAQI OIL! ACTIONS – UK AND NETHERLANDS, 23.2.08
In solidarity with the Iraqi peoples’ struggle against the plunder of
their oil reserves, there were actions in Birmingham, London, Liverpool,
Wrexham, Coventry and Amsterdam.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/02/392315.html

5) EARTH FIRST! BLOCKADES POWER PLANT CONSTRUCTION – FLORIDA, 18.2.08
Dozens of concerned community members from Palm Beach County and across
the States put their bodies on the line to halt construction of a massive
gas-fired power plant. A dozen activists locked themselves together
through metal pipes as 200 supporters rallied around them. The blockade
stopped work on the construction site for six hours before a total of 27
people were arrested.
http://www.risingtidenorthamerica.org/wordpress/2008/02/19/blockade-shuts-down-south-florida-power-plant-construction-27-arrested/
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20038

6) RTNA/EARTHFIRST! PIPELINE ACTION – PORTLAND, U.S. 23.1.08
The above blockade followed another combined action where Cascadia Rising
Tide joined forces with Stumptown Earth First! to hold an action and rally
at the Portland office of NW Natural in protest at their involvement in
Liquefied Natural Gas pipelines, which threaten to clear-cut strips of
forest throughout Oregon for new fossil fuel infrastructure. Activists
piled trees around the office entrance and hung a large banner which read
– “There’s nothing Green about Clear-cuts, No new pipelines”.
http://www.risingtidenorthamerica.org/wordpress/2008/01/23/cascadia-rt-organizes-anti-lng-action-at-nw-natural/

7) SABOTAGE AT GLENSANDA – YORKSHIRE, FEBRUARY 2008
An aggregates processing plant on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National
Park has been sabotaged. 20% of the stone extracted will go to major road
network construction across Europe. The plant in Yorkshire was entered and
vehicles, including all bulldozers, had holes drilled in vital parts of
their engines and their tires. Both control rooms were broken into and all
computers and instrument panels were smashed. Keys to all buildings and
machinery were removed from the site. The message “Stop Glensanda” was
left.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20043

8) PLANKTOS DUMPING SCHEME DEFEATED BY ANTI-WHALERS – MADEIRA, 14.2.08
Planktos, the California company trying to turn a profit by fertilizing
the ocean with iron dust, has pulled the plug on planned field tests. On
the company’s web-site, a simple notice blamed the shutdown on a “highly
effective disinformation campaign waged by anti-offset crusaders.” In
November 2007, the anti-whaling ship Sea Shepherd confronted the Planktos
vessel and forced it to move onto Madeira. And there it stayed until its
recall last month.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/19989

9) COMMUNITY HALTS SHELL – IRELAND, 12.2.08
The Erris community continues to protect the land – survey work was
stopped and trucks were blocked. Local people prevented Shell from illegal
work for 4 hours until Gardai forced through workers, injuring protesters.
http://www.corribsos.com/index.php?id=1686
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/19977

10) CRITICAL MASS HERO CLEARED – BRISTOL, 7.2.08
In May last year, someone stood in the road and tried to stop a car that
had hit a Critical Mass cyclist, from driving away. For that he was
arrested for obstructing the highway, thrown to the floor by his neck
whilst handcuffed, and then – surprise surprise – also arrested for
assaulting a police officer.
After 9 months of nervous waiting, he was finally cleared of all charges,
as Bristol Magistrates Court accepted a submission that the police
evidence was at best ‘severely flawed’ and at worst, fabricated, and the
trial was stopped.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/19971

11) KLIMAX SURGE ON! – SWEDEN, JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008
Groups of activists connected to Klimax, Sweden’s direct action movement
against the root causes of climate change, struck repeatedly last month.
At Malmö Airport, seven activists were apprehended when trying to break
into the runway, some of them dressed as polar bears. Some 30 activists
put up a blockade in the middle of the highway running through Umeå, the
largest city in northern Sweden.
A similar number staged a protest outside the office of Swedish Meat, a
major meat corporation, to highlight the severe effects the industry is
having on our climate. Another 50 activists marched into the traffic on
one of the major streets in inner city Stockholm, seizing it for 15
minutes. The action was directed against a planned mega-highway, to be
built in the western parts of the capital.
http://klimatet.org/2008/02/17/action-report/
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20019
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20035

12) TARA CAMPAIGN UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2008
Lock-ons and digger-diving, plus protest camp contact.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/19996
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/20126

13) 15 ACTIONS TO TOPPLE THE FOSSIL FUEL EMPIRE – FEBRUARY 2008
Rising Tide’s newest resource, on why and how to take direct action
against the fossil fuel industry… including planning tips, target
locations, examples of successful actions and more. Email us for a hard
copy or download it here:
http://risingtide.org.uk/resources/other

14) RISING TIDE POP-ED RESOURCE PACK – FEBRUARY 2008
A popular education resource packed with tools to help you run engaging,
interactive workshops on all aspects of climate change for a wide range of
people. Download it here: http://risingtide.org.uk/resources/other

15) “RISING TO THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE” BOOKLET – FEBRUARY 2008
Climate change myth-busting booklet designed to help people cut through
the fog of confusion and mixed messages about climate change and to be a
useful resource for community groups and individuals all over Scotland.
Download from the website at www.sead.org.uk

16) “BURNING CAPITAL” – FEBRUARY 2008
This compelling series of short films explores the role of Britain’s
largest corporation in the growing climate crisis. Burning Capital is a
video voyage through the murky world of oil giant BP, who kindly delivered
1.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere last year.
Watch the films now at; http://www.platformlondon.org/burning

17) SPIRIT OF FREEDOM – FEBRUARY 2008
Earth Liberation Prisoners Support Network newsletter. They’re in there
for us out here – Please write!
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/19960

18) CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS CENTRE – FEBRUARY UPDATE 2008
A group of environmental and community-based organisations in the South
West have made a bid to found an independent, inter-disciplinary ‘Climate
Change Solutions Centre’, on the site of an ex-agricultural college
currently owned by Plymouth University. For more details, and information
on how to support the plans, please see; www.climatechangecentre.co.uk

19) “THE AGE OF STUPID” – FEBRUARY 2008
A climate change documentary for the big screen from Franny Armstrong
(McLibel) and John Battsek (One Day In September). Mixing documentary
footage, drama and cutting-edge animation, and starring Pete Postlethwaite
as an old man living in the devastated world of 2055. As he watches
‘archive’ footage from 2007, he asks himself: Why didn’t we stop climate
change when we had the chance? http://www.ageofstupid.net

20) AIRPORT WATCH BULLETIN – FEBRUARY 2008
For information about the campaigns against suicidal expansion at
Heathrow, Bristol, London City, Lydd, Carlisle, Newquay and other airports
see; www.airportwatch.org.uk

21) ‘CAUSES CLIMATE CHANGE’ WEBSITE
Subvertising ideas and resources.
http://www.causesclimatechange.blogspot.com/

———-

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newssheet@risingtide.org.uk

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Sheet Archive at http://risingtide.org.uk/newssheet

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How to Fitwatch

Fitwatch meeting – Saturday 8th March at the LSE (Connaught House, Aldwych) at 2pm. Room H103.

Fitwatch has proved to be a highly effective tactic against surveillance by public order police.

Although really, it is better described as a range of tactics. Some are as simple as taking a picture, or making a note of police numbers. Other tactics are more confrontational and actively prevent the police accumulating the data they use for their ‘preventative’ public order policing. There is a tactic for everyone, and all of them are very effective.

Fitwatch meeting – Saturday 8th March at the LSE (Connaught House, Aldwych) at 2pm. Room H103.

Fitwatch has proved to be a highly effective tactic against surveillance by public order police.

Although really, it is better described as a range of tactics. Some are as simple as taking a picture, or making a note of police numbers. Other tactics are more confrontational and actively prevent the police accumulating the data they use for their ‘preventative’ public order policing. There is a tactic for everyone, and all of them are very effective.

To get involved, you need only bring a camera, placard or banner to your next demo or meeting, and get fitwatching. But you would also be very welcome at the Fitwatch meeting on Saturday so that we can share experiences, develop tactics and create an effective response to FIT and public order policing.

Just as an aside, it seems that even security firms have taken notice. The following testimonials are taken from a Group 4 Securicor briefing, and from the website of the security outfit Inkerman, who make it their business to protect companies from the attention of trouble making protestors. According to Inkerman, we are ‘counter-surveillance’. Sounds posh innit?

8 March 08 – London – The anarchist group, Fitwatch, is arranging a series of meetings that begin in London to discuss the nature of policing at protests and demonstrations. Fitwatch are an active group that prevents Police Forward Intelligence Teams (FIT) from gathering information during protests and demonstrations. Fitwatch insist FIT are an oppressive reflection of the state’s attitude towards protest groups. Fitwatch aim to use the meetings to discuss ongoing tactics and to attract support. The first meeting is to take place at the LSE (Group 4 Securicor)

Another protest group against the use of cameras and surveillance of activists has been established and holds growing weight within activist movements. FITWATCH is a counter-surveillance group, who take photos and try to obtain the personal details and identification numbers of the officers in FIT. Photographs of the officers concerned have been posted on activist websites.”
(Inkerman. See http://www.inkerman.com/static/files/1197479765-theinkermanmonitorecoterror.pdf for their report on ‘eco-terrorism’.)

defycops@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.fitwatch.blogspot.com

Free Paper War – LONDON LITtEr

15.2.2008
Ten tonnes of waste per week is generated by the free newspapers in Westminster alone, which is not a problem that can be solved just by recycling. The only solution to the problem is to remove it – stop printing the papers.

Recycling is not answer insert15.2.2008
Ten tonnes of waste per week is generated by the free newspapers in Westminster alone, which is not a problem that can be solved just by recycling. The only solution to the problem is to remove it – stop printing the papers.

In an attempt to get this message out, a group of intrepid paper boys and girls decided to use the tactics of The London Paper and London Lite, putting their own pro-recycling anti-waste propaganda into copies of the papers then aggressively and relentlessly forcing them on the public.

At approximately 5pm sharp, paper distribution began. The London Paper and London Lite teams competed for the attention of commuters, pointing out the numerous differences between the papers and the quality of their contents. The teams, while obviously agreeing that they were both giving away highly sophisticated and intellectually stimulating publications, didn’t agree on which one was in fact superior. Sarcasm aside, this is another issue with the free newspapers – that they are filled with second rate celebrity gossip, inane half-stories, and above all, advertising. Really, do these newspapers contain any actual news? Is what they have to say so important that it’s worth 10 tonnes of waste paper a week?

As the competition grew more intense, war paint was smeared and the battle began. Papers were given and replaced and given again, with distributors from each team competing over individual members of the public, leading to violent confrontations with each other. The official employees of both free papers seemed baffled but amused, taking photographs of the event. However, an employee of The Evening Standard, driving up in his van, seemed to be less than impressed, attempting to take away some of the papers and generally behaving in a rather ungentlemanly fashion.

Then, as two opposing team members were locked in combat, a policeman on a horse appeared and politely and calmly requested that all the students just stop that and come and speak to him right now. As only a couple of the group were students, the action mostly continued until he got a bit upset. When all the paper boys and girls were gathered around the horse, they were told “You just can’t do that!” “Stop it!” “I’ll arrest you!” “Just stop it!” and “Calm down!”.

After agreeing that it was indeed rude to force newspapers on unsuspecting pedestrians, but that they would calm down, the paper distributing continued a little less violently. Passers-by were offered ‘The London Litter’, ‘free rubbish’, and ‘news’ (though unfortunately there was no news available), and were assured that they could throw it away whenever and wherever they liked. In fact, the more they threw away the better. Some people seemed quite keen to get their free rubbish, some were irritated and a few were genuinely interested in what was being said.

Sadly, some more policemen (who didn’t have horses) turned up and told the paper girls and boys that really it was time to stop it now. Moderately aggressive at first, they were won over by the charm of the paperers, reportedly even taking some (100% recycled!) leaflets for their colleagues. By this point all the newspapers had gone and it was at least half past beer o’clock, so after a little chat with the police (and picking up any litter that may have been left), it was declared a victory and they headed off.

http://www.spacehijackers.org

Latest details: Earth First! Winter Moot 2008 – February 22nd – 24th 2008 – Nottingham

Join us for
Activist skill share
Planning radical action on climate change,
Sharing ideas for the Earth First! Summer Gathering
Opposition to the UK genetic crop trials and mega-dams in Iceland
a chance to share info on your own campaign

Arrive from 5pm, Friday February 22nd 2008, with dinner at 7 o’clock.
Open to all those who have been involved in radical ecological direct action and to those who just want to find out more.

EF! fist tree 1Join us for
Activist skill share
Planning radical action on climate change,
Sharing ideas for the Earth First! Summer Gathering
Opposition to the UK genetic crop trials and mega-dams in Iceland
a chance to share info on your own campaign

Arrive from 5pm, Friday February 22nd 2008, with dinner at 7 o’clock.
Open to all those who have been involved in radical ecological direct action and to those who just want to find out more.

Cost: £15 (to include accommodation and food)
Crèche and disabled access both available,
but please call to let us know if you need either or if you have other needs.

At The Sumac Centre, Gladstone Street Nottingham, www.veggies.org.uk/sumac
For more info call 01508 531636 (number not available during the event)

Friday late afternoon and evening will be a chance to arrive, and for introductions, plus a G8 talk & film, and an Introduction to EF!

We’ll be kicking off early on Saturday morning (9am breakfast) – starting with all sharing the most important reasons why we’ve come to Nottingham, we’ll get on with some practical discussions around the EF! Action Update, the website, and the summer gathering.
From what we’ve all said, we’ll be able in the afternoon to move on to ‘where next?’, plus sharing campaigns we’re involved with & seeing what they need, and getting together locally and regionally with other folk who are there.

On Sunday we’ll move into groups to concretely take the ideas forwards from the Saturday, from the campaigns we’re already working on and what we want to do together. We’ll finish at 4pm, after having shared what we’ve come up with. Hoorah.

Earth First! is not an organisation, but a way of using non-hierarchical organisation and the use of direct action to confront, stop and eventually reverse the forces that are responsible for the destruction of the Earth and its inhabitants. For further info check out www.earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/

Plus
All day Friday 22nd February, Saving Iceland UK meeting, also at the Sumac Centre. Open to those interested in travelling to Iceland or taking part in solidarity actions against the construction of large, wilderness wrecking dams in Iceland.

For further information and essential booking contact 01508 531636 or savingiceland@riseup.org

upcoming Shell to Sea protests – 14th, 23rd and big-up 29th Feb

12 Noon February 14th, Kildare Street Dublin 2.
On Thursday this week, there will be a protest at Leinster House in Dublin to bring attention to the sweetheart deal between the Irish Government and the Corrib Partners (Shell, Statoil,and Marathon) for the exploitation of Ireland’s natural resources. Protesters will gather at Kildare Street at 12 noon. More info here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/86192

Shell sweethearts12 Noon February 14th, Kildare Street Dublin 2.
On Thursday this week, there will be a protest at Leinster House in Dublin to bring attention to the sweetheart deal between the Irish Government and the Corrib Partners (Shell, Statoil,and Marathon) for the exploitation of Ireland’s natural resources. Protesters will gather at Kildare Street at 12 noon. More info here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/86192

1PM February 23rd, Shell Glasnevin, Finglas Road Dublin 11
On Saturday 23rd of February there will be a picket of the Shell Service station opposite the main gate of Glasnevin Cemetery. Although Shell no longer run the forecourt business, all the fuel sold in this and other Shell garages is still sourced from Royal Dutch Shell. Protesters will be asking motorists to boycott the station until concerns about the Corrib scheme are addressed by the company.The protest will start at 1PM sharp. More info here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/86187

The next large-scale protest in Mayo will be on Friday, February 29th. Shell are set to announce the new route for the production pipeline linking the gas field to the Bellanaboy Refinery site sometime towards the end of February. Many people in Erris expect the company to apply for permission to run the pipeline under the water of Sruth Fáda Conn, the inlet bay that runs alongside Rossport. This will mean the Minister for the Environment will have to apply for permission from the European Parliament to break the rules which are designed to protect endangered habitats and protected environments.

More details of the February 29th protest will follow nearer the time.

Keep up to date with Shell to Sea by checking indymedia.ie/mayo

You can see Shell to Sea videos on youtube here: www.youtube.com/shelltohell

For more information call 0871323369.

Community halts Shell

February 12 2008

Survey work was halted
This morning survey work stopped when members of the community questioned Ollie Murray (Shell Community Liason Officer) on whether he had the necessary permission. He is a man of few words and our questions were met with his mantra of ‘I don’t know, contact RPS’. ‘’Do you have the RPS number? No. ‘’. It was a beautiful day and whilst we were waiting for the RPS engineer to ring back with details (at 22.00pm he still hasn’t), the surveyor admired the view of the pristine bay in Glengad. No survey work was undertaken. The bore hoels illegally constructed 5 months ago are still there, despite Minister John Gormley ordering their removal asp.

BroadhavenFebruary 12 2008

Survey work was halted
This morning survey work stopped when members of the community questioned Ollie Murray (Shell Community Liason Officer) on whether he had the necessary permission. He is a man of few words and our questions were met with his mantra of ‘I don’t know, contact RPS’. ‘’Do you have the RPS number? No. ‘’. It was a beautiful day and whilst we were waiting for the RPS engineer to ring back with details (at 22.00pm he still hasn’t), the surveyor admired the view of the pristine bay in Glengad. No survey work was undertaken. The bore hoels illegally constructed 5 months ago are still there, despite Minister John Gormley ordering their removal asp.

Blockading of trucks
Of course the community are still attempting to slow down construction on the Shell refinery site. Blockades happen as much as possible; last week workers were once again blockaded and today lorries were blocked from entering. When the authorities fail to protect the community and the Special Protected Area, the community have no choice but to actively do it ourselves. For reasons of health, safety and environmental protection, we cannot let this refinery be built at Ballinaboy.

’People are entitled to a healthy and productive life in harmony with nature. Environmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens. Development today must not undermine the development and environmental needs of present and future generations.’ Local Agenda 21

————–

12.2.08 Local people block Shell from illegal work in a SAC at Glengad, Erris for 4 hours until Gardai force through workers, injuring protesters.

At approx 8am this morning, local residents became aware of a Shell contracted survey team in the Glengad area on the SAC. To work in this area we understand that permissions must be obtained prior to any work being undertaken by Shell. Shell have still yet repaired the illegal work done last October.

To our knowledge, they are only entitled to remove the illegal boreholes, as ordered by Minister Gormley. Our requests for evidence of other permission continues to be ignored by both Shell, RPS and NPWS. Today’s surveying had nothing to do with repairing the damage however, despite claims to the contrary by security staff.

Despite contacting Shell’s supposed public liasons officer in the last few days no attempt has been made by Shell to clarify if they have any other of the required permissions.

A group of local people were forced to enter upon the land to stop this illegal work. Work was halted between 8am until approx 12 noon when a force of over a dozen Gardai came to escort the survey team back onto the SAC.

Despite explaining why the local community had reasonable excuse to stop further damage being done, the Gardai very forcefully removed all protesters from the entrance gate, ushering in the survey team. In their zealous pursuit of Shell’s best interests, the Gardai assaulted many of the approx 10 protesters present at the time. 1 man was arrested after being shoved onto a barbed wire fence, cutting his arm in several places before having his head banged off the ground by several Gardai. Others were dragged off, received kicks, shoves, had hair pulled, while the Gardai simultaneously obstructed the only camera from filming. The man who was arrested was later released without charge.

Bio-fuel protest North West – a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Around 20 activists, some dressed as wolves in sheep’s clothing, visited the D1 Oil refinery in Bromborough on the Wirral, on 2nd February 2008.

Bromborough biofuels protest 1Bromborough biofuels 2Around 20 activists, some dressed as wolves in sheep’s clothing, visited the D1 Oil refinery in Bromborough on the Wirral, on 2nd February 2008. They were there to highlight the dangerous consequences of large-scale bio-fuel production for the climate and for people worldwide.

Video Video Footage – video/mp4 2.5M

The demonstrators from Manchester and Liverpool, inspired by the Camp for Climate Action, erected a 16 metre banner reading, “Biofuels cause Climate Chaos” and another smaller banner reading “Biofuels + Big Business = Disaster”. The demonstration came at the end of a week of action called by Biofuelwatch.

On arrival activists were told by security that the plant was empty and not operating, however when several activists entered the site, at least twenty workers dressed in boiler suits came out to meet them. Although the gates were shut campaigners remained for approximately one hour to talk with staff and local residents. Police attended but no arrests were made.

D1 Oils plc. have used palm, soya and rapeseed oil to make bio-diesel. Now they have joined forces with corporate giant BP, aiming to acquire and plant one million hectares of land with supposed ‘wonder crop’ Jatropha, within four years. For information on the real impact of this crop and other agro-fuels check out www.biofuelwatch.org.uk

Support the Eco-Prisoners – Imbolc 2008 – they’re in there for us out here, please write

Spirit of Freedom
(February 2008)
Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

Earth Liberation Prisoners logoSpirit of Freedom
(February 2008)
Produced by
EARTH LIBERATION PRISONERS SUPPORT NETWORK

“The whole experience has been tough, but all the kind and strengthening words and wise thoughts from strangers made it much easier!”
(Former Swedish Animal Rights Prisoner)

Welcome to the February 2008 edition of Spirit of Freedom. As we enter February so we await three major events. First off, Jeff ‘Free’ Luers is due to be re-sentenced. We hope its good news. Secondly, Eric McDavid is also due to be sentenced. As soon as Eric has been sentenced we urge everyone to send him letters of support. And thirdly, the police informant Jacob Ferguson is also due to be sentenced. His cowardly deals and treachery means he won’t be sent to prison. But we await with interest to see what sentence this piece of scum does receive. If anyone hears, please do let ELP know. But whilst we await those three sentencings, please don’t forget all the other eco-prisoners. Remember, no matter where you are in the world, support the eco-prisoners and no compromise in defence of Mother Earth!

ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS

Tre Arrow, CS# 05850722, Vancouver Island Regional Correction Center, 4216 Wilkinson Rd., Victoria, BC, V8Z 5B2, Canada. On remand accused of involvement with an arson on logging trucks and an arson on vehicles owned by a sand & gravel company. Both arsons occurred in the USA. Tre is fighting his extradition to the USA.

Grant Barnes #137563, San Carlos Correctional Facility, PO Box 3, Pueblo, CO 81002, USA. Serving 12 years for setting fire to a number of SUV vehicles. On one of the vehicles the letters ELF was spray-painted.

Nathan Block, #36359-086, FCI Lompoc, Federal Correctional Institution, 3600 Guard Road, Lompoc, CA 93436, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.

Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland. Serving 18 years. 1) Ten years for using explosives to destroy electricity pylons leading from nuclear power stations. 2) Eight years for the murder of a Swiss Boarder Guard whilst on the run. In ’02 Marco completed a 12-year sentence in Italy for destroying electricity pylons in Italy.

Rod Coronado – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Ibai Ederra, Carcel de Pamplona, C/San Roque. Apdo. 250, 31080 – Iruñez – Pamplona, Navarra (España), Spain. Serving just under 5 years for sabotaging machinery at the controversial Itoiz dam construction site.

Jeffrey Luers, #1306729, Lane County Adult Corrections, 101 West 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401-2695, USA. Awaiting resentencing. Originally sentenced to 22 years & 8 months for arson on a SUV dealership & the attempted arson of an oil truck.

Eric McDavid X-2972521 4E 231A, Sacramento County Main Jail, 651 “I” Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA. Awaiting sentencing having been found guilty of planning to destroy the property of the U.S. Forestry Service, mobile phone masts and power plants.

Daniel McGowan #63794-053, Unit I, FCI Sandstone, Federal Correctional Institution, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA. Serving 7 years for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an old growth logging corporation. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.

Christopher McIntosh #30512-013, FCI Fairton, PO Box 420, Fairton, NJ 08320, USA. Serving 8 years for setting fire to a McDonald’s restaurant.

Jonathan Paul – See details in Animal Liberation Prisoners List.

Costantino Ragusa, Casa Circondariale, Via Prati Nuovi 7, 27058 Voghera (PV), Italy. Il Silvestre activist serving 2½ years. 1) 18-months for burgling and firebombing a multinational company. 2) 12-months for organising an anti-GM protest. Costanino is also awaiting trial accused of using explosives to damage an electricity pylon in protest at nuclear energy.

Julio Villanueva, C.P. Prision De Pamplona, 31080, Iruna (Navarra), Spain.
Serving just under 5 years for sabotaging machinery at the controversial Itoiz dam construction site.

Joyanna Zacher, #36360-086, FCI Dublin, 5700 8th St.- Camp Parks- Unit F, Dublin, CA 94568, USA. Serving 7 years & 8 months for an ELF arson against a Poplar Tree Farm and an ELF arson against an SUV dealership. Also admitted her role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.

ANIMAL LIBERATION PRISONERS

Jon Ablewhite TB4885, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Gregg Avery TA7450, HMP Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5DF, England. On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to his involvement with the SHAC campaign.

Natasha Avery NR8987, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. Jailed for breaching her parole conditions imposed on her for telling a fox hunting murdering scum what she thought of them. Also awaiting trial accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign.

Nathan Block – See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

Mel Broughton TN9138, HMP Woodhill, Tattenhoe Street, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK4 4DA, England. On remand accused of involvement with an arson and blackmail campaign against an Oxford University vivisection establishment.

Jacob Conroy #93501-011, FCI Victorville Medium I Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 5300, Adelanto, CA 92301, USA. Serving 48 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Rod Coronado, Voice of the Earth, PO Box 732, Tucson, AZ 85702, USA. Due to be sentenced to one-year imprisonment after Rod informed people how to make an incendiary device during a speech at an animal rights gathering.

Donald Currie A3660AA, HMP Parkhurst, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 5NX, England. Serving an Indeterminate Sentence, of not less than six actual years, for carrying out arsons against targets associated the vivisection industry including HLS.

Lauren Gazzola #93497-011, FCI Danbury, Federal Correctional Institution, Route #37Danbury, CT 06811, USA. Serving 54 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Sarah Gisborne, LT5393, HMP Downview, Sutton Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PD, England. Serving 5½ years for conspiracy to cause criminal damage following the damaging of 8 vehicles owned by people linked to Huntingdon Life Science.

Joshua Harper #29429-086, FCI Sheridan Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 5000, Sheridan, OR 97378 USA. Serving 36 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Kevin Kjonaas #93502-011, FCI Sandstone, PO Box 1000, Sandstone, MN 55072 USA. Serving 72 months imprisonment for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Daniel McGowan – See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

Heather Nicholson VM4859, HMP Bronzefield, Woodthorpe Road, Ashford, Middx. TW15 3JZ, England. On remand accused of conspiracy to blackmail, in relation to her involvement with the SHAC campaign.

Jonathan Paul, #07167-085, FCI Phoenix, Federal Correctional Institution, 37910 N 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA. Sentenced to 51 months for an ALF arson on a horse meat plant. Also admitted his role in an ELF/ALF conspiracy.

John Smith TB4887, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Andrew Stepanian #26399-050, FCI Butner Medium II Federal Correctional Institution, PO Box 1500, Butner, NC 27509 USA. Serving 36 months for helping organise the SHAC-USA campaign.

Kerry Whitburn TB4886, HMP Lowdham Grange, Lowdham, Nottingham, NG14 7DA, England. Serving 12 years for attempting to blackmail a farmer who supplied guinea pigs for vivisection.

Joyanna Zacher – See details in Eco Defence Prisoners List.

PLOUGHSHARES PRISONERS

Helen Woodson, 03231-045, FMC Carswell – Admin. Max. Unit, POB 27137, Ft. Worth, TX 76127, USA. Serving 8 years 10 months for actions that focused on the interrelationship of war & the destruction of the natural world. The actions included pouring red paint over the security desk of a federal court and making threatening communications. Previously Helen had served 20½ years for: 1) Using a hammer to disarm a nuclear missile silo. 2) Burning $25,000 on the floor of a bank whilst denouncing war, environmental destruction & economic injustice. 3) Mailing warning letters with bullets attached to Government & corporate officials.

THE LECCE FIVE
The Lecce Five have been charged with “subversive association” accused of damaging Esso petrol pumps to oppose the War on Iraq; sabotaging the cash machines of a bank which funds an immigration centre; and targeting the multinational company Benetton in support of Mapuche land rights activists in Chile. All of the defendants are currently either under house arrest or released on bail.

ANTIFA PRISONERS

Lasandra Burwell W063658, Ohio Reformatory for Women, 1479 Collins Ave. Marysville, OH 43040, USA. Serving 5 years for taking part in an anti-fascist demonstration that turned into a riot.

Vahtang Devitlidze, ul. Libbedova 42, UO 68/2, otryad 14, brigada 142, g. Hagyshensk, Krasnodarskiy Kray, 352680 Russia. Serving 2½ years for stabbing a neo-nazi in the leg whilst defending himself from attack.

Augustin Kraus, Vazebni veznice, PP-1, Litomerice, 41 201, Czech Republic.
Serving 14 months for his participation in attacks against local neo-nazis. His charge was “bodily harm”. He speaks Czech, Slovak and Polish. You can also write him short postcards in English.

Gubski Maxim, VK-2 – 21, Batowa str. 4, Bobruisk, 213800 Belarus. Serving 3 years for fighting with neo-nazis.

Vladislav Vladimirovich Plyashkevich, IK-10 otryad 4, Novopoltsk-5 Vitebskaya oblast, 211440 Belarus. Serving 3 years for fighting with neo-nazis.

Christian Sümmermann, BNR: 727/07/7, JVA Tegel, Seidelstr. 39, 13507 Berlin, Germany. Serving 40 months for breaching the peace whilst serving a suspended sentence issued for anti-fascist activities.

Tomasz Wiloszewski, Zaklad Karny, Orzechowa 5, 98-200 Sieradz, Poland.
Serving 15 years for accidentally killing a neo-nazi whilst defending himself.

OTHER PRISONERS

Oscar Santa Maria Caro, CERESO, Miahuatlan de Porfirio Diaz, Oaxaca en Hall B, Cell 5., Mexico. On remand. The exact charges against Oscar are unknown but Oscar is a member of RATA, a known animal rights group.

Sacramento Delfino Cano Hernandez, CERESO, Miahuatlan de Porfirio Diaz, Oaxaca en Hall B, Cell 5., Mexico. On remand. Co-defendant of Oscar Santa Maria Caro.

Olga Aleksandrovna Nevskaya, UU163/5, 7 Otryad, pos. Dzerzhinskiy, Mozhaysk 140090 Moskovskaya oblast, Russia. Eco-activist serving 6 years for arson, criminal damage and causing explosions in protest at the war in Chechnya. Due for release in 2009.

Fran Thompson, #1090915 HU 1C, WERDCC, PO Box 300, Vandalia, MO 63382, USA.
Serving Life for killing, in self-defence, a stalker who had broken into her home. Before her imprisonment Fran was an eco, animal & anti-nuke campaigner.

MOVE
MOVE is an eco-revolutionary group who carried out protests in defence of all life. There are currently eight MOVE activists in prison each serving 100 years after been framed for the murder of a cop in 1979. 9th defendant, Merle Africa, died in prison in 1998.

Debbie Simms Africa (006307), Janet Holloway Africa (006308) and Janine Philips Africa (006309) all at: SCI Cambridge Springs, 451 Fullerton Ave, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403-1238, USA.

Michael Davis Africa (AM4973) and Charles Simms Africa (AM4975) both at SCI Graterford, PO Box 244, Graterford, PA 19426-0244, USA.

Edward Goodman Africa (AM4974), SCI Mahanoy, 301 Morea Rd, Frackville, PA 17932, USA.

William Philips Africa (AM4984) and Delbert Orr Africa (AM4985) both at SCI Dallas Drawer K, Dallas, PA 18612, USA.

Mumia Abu Jamal, (AM8335), SCI Greene, 175 Progress Drive, Waynesburg PA 15370, USA. In 1981 Mumia, former Black Panther and vocal supporter of MOVE, was framed for the murder of a cop. He was originally sentenced to death but is currently awaiting re-sentencing following a court hearing in 2001.

STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE
Some people listed in this newsletter have carried out violent actions. ‘Spirit of Freedom’ does not condone violence. But we are also against censorship & believe people can decide for themselves who they wish to support.

ABOUT E.L.P. SUPPORT NETWORK
ELP is an international eco-prisoner support network founded, in Britain, in 1993 to support jailed eco-activists. We support the prisoners by producing various regular prisoner lists:

Spirit of Freedom is ELP’s international monthly prisoner listing which is circulated by e-mail.

Urgent ELP! Bulletin is an e-mail service that distributes the names of any new eco-prisoner as soon as ELP gets their details. For more info e-mail ELP4321@hotmail.com

On-Line Newsletters – ELP has a number of websites that provide news, prisoner lists and additional info about ELP & the prisoners.

English language ELP Website
www.spiritoffreedom.org.uk

North American ELP Website
www.ecoprisoners.org

Turkish language ELP Website
www.geocities.com/yesilanarsi/elp.htm

ELP Extra is an e-mail group that circulates the details of political prisoners, ELP learns about, who do not fall within the remit for support by ELP. To subscribe to the list e-mail ELP4321@Hotmail.com

Belgium ELP.SN is our Belgium contact. For more info e-mail elp_bel@hotmail.com

German ELP.SN is a prisoner led initiative run by eco-prisoner Marco Camenisch. For more info contact Marco Camenisch, Postfach 3143, CH-8105 Regensdorf, Switzerland.

North American ELP is our North American contact. For more information e-mail naelpsn@mutualaid.org

Turkey ELP.SN is our Turkish contact. For more info e-mail yesilanarsi@yahoo.com

Spring into action (though storms may be at the door) – the latest issue of the EF! Action Update has burst forth

Read all about occupations & lock-ons of big industrial places around the world, corporate & government blockades, squatting, airport invasions, subvertising, climate criminals locked & glued shut, trees climbed and chopped down, GM maize fields trashed, hunger strikes, burrowing under fences, jumping on w

Rabbit under fenceRead all about occupations & lock-ons of big industrial places around the world, corporate & government blockades, squatting, airport invasions, subvertising, climate criminals locked & glued shut, trees climbed and chopped down, GM maize fields trashed, hunger strikes, burrowing under fences, jumping on whaling boats, Buying Nothing, Reclaiming the Streets and the unstoppable singing of Christmas songs, not to mention skating penguins. Even some upcoming dates to get stuck in or to meet other direct action crazies. We couldn’t make it up even if we tried.

Another bumper issue, with a special insert on Agrofuels including a list of refineries ‘in the pipeline’ or already on the ground, plus a legal update about the recent changes to your access to solicitors in police stations.

The latest issue of the Earth First! Action Update burst forth at the latest national meeting of the Camp for Climate Action (see climatecamp.org.uk for how the camp idea is audaciously morphing this year).

Download it to print out and share here. Do get in touch with the editorial collective to let them know if you’re dishing it up round your way, or need paper copies, or want to give them one of the rarer ingredients, dosh (to send it to prisoners, protest camps and far beyond) – their contact details and more are here.

Lakenheath 8 finally go to Trial for Socpa 128

On 26th 27th and 28th of March 2008 the Lakenheath 8 finally go to trial for a socpa 128 and criminal damage charge. The L8 took action in October 2006 at USAF Lakenheath in Suffolk against the use of cluster bombs and conventional weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 8 activists, Pete, Lesley, Mell, Lesley, Richie, Margaret, Irene and Emma entered the nuclear base and locked themselves to the munitions area gates to stop the loading of weapons onto the F15 e planes. The new at the time ‘socpa’ laws covered the base and the 8 new that they maximum sentence was a year in prison and a £5,000 fine. Since that action Mell, Emma,Irene and 3 others took another action to blocakade Lakenheath in October 2007 and the court has decided to put them on trial for obstruction at the same time as the Lakenheath 8. The trial will be held at Bury st Edmunds court in Suffolk and the defendants would like as much support as possible.

On 26th 27th and 28th of March 2008 the Lakenheath 8 finally go to trial for a socpa 128 and criminal damage charge. The L8 took action in October 2006 at USAF Lakenheath in Suffolk against the use of cluster bombs and conventional weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 8 activists, Pete, Lesley, Mell, Lesley, Richie, Margaret, Irene and Emma entered the nuclear base and locked themselves to the munitions area gates to stop the loading of weapons onto the F15 e planes. The new at the time ‘socpa’ laws covered the base and the 8 new that they maximum sentence was a year in prison and a £5,000 fine. Since that action Mell, Emma,Irene and 3 others took another action to blocakade Lakenheath in October 2007 and the court has decided to put them on trial for obstruction at the same time as the Lakenheath 8. The trial will be held at Bury st Edmunds court in Suffolk and the defendants would like as much support as possible.
‘socpa effects us all, our right to protest is being taken from us and we must stand up against these ridiculous laws’.
Bring your banners! a tour of the US nuclear base, inside or out is also being offered! ( Are you watching special intelligence?? you had better have many police on security for at least a month!)
Accommodation is available for supporters and food will be provided by BSE Quakers.