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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

Beat the Chainsaw Pledge, Hereford

HEREFORD GREEN PARTY PRESS RELEASE:

Forty-nine locals vow to stand in front of chainsaws to prevent loss of Meadow trees.

HEREFORD GREEN PARTY PRESS RELEASE:

Forty-nine locals vow to stand in front of chainsaws to prevent loss of Meadow trees.

A capacity crowd of nearly 300 people filled two floors of Hereford’s Watershed building last night, to hear a coalition of groups talk about the Environment Agency’s poorly-designed flood defence scheme for the City. Attendees expressed support for the provision of effective flood defences – but also concern over the Council’s lack of vision and leadership in passing the current scheme by which established trees on Bishop’s Meadow will be needlessly cut down. Green Party prospective Council candidate Martin Wyness asked people if they would be willing to stand under the affected trees, thereby making it impossible for workers to fell them. Forty-nine people expressed a commitment to stand in the way of the chainsaws in order to protect Hereford’s wonderful cultural and natural heritage.

Members of the public attending the meeting expressed surprise that local ward Councillors were not present to take questions as to why they had not robustly challenged the scheme during the planning process. Disappointment was voiced as to why that process was not publicised sufficiently for residents to engage with it effectively.

The Green Party hopes that Councillors who felt they could not challenge the Environment Agency and DEFRA before, because of fears of losing funding, will now find the courage to stand with the coalition as it demands that the scheme is rethought.

Green Party prospective Council candidate Martin Wyness asked the Environment Agency representative present at the meeting: “Can you give an assurance that the trees affected will not be cut down in a rush in order to beat restrictions caused by the imminent bird nesting season?” The Environment Agency’s reply was that a survey would be carried out.

Because it is still too early for nesting, this effectively means that the chainsaws can come at any moment, even before the Environment Agency or Council looks at any alternative proposals.

The Green Party is disappointed that Hereford Liberal Democrat MP Paul Keetch has until now, not seen fit to question the scheme properly until he saw the scale of public concern. Hereford needs a dynamic and passionate Member of Parliament who will argue the case for keeping the money on the table while we amend the detail of these plans that would do so much damage to Hereford’s historic environment. A somewhat reluctant Mr. Keetch said on radio yesterday “I am assured by the Environment Agency that if there is fine tuning that can be done, it will be done”. Let us hope he holds the agency to that promise.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

It is quite possible that Elgar walked beneath the trees that will be destroyed by this scheme. There is also a memorial on the site that says that Elgar penned The Enigma Variations after seeing the Cathedral organist’s dog fall into the river at this spot.

The coalition is fully in favour of a flood defence scheme for the city, but not this one.

RRA Architects showed their alternative and sympathetic proposal to the public meeting.

The coalition in favour of better flood defences includes: –

Cycle Hereford
The Disabled Users Access Group
Friends of Castle Green
Friends of the Earth
Fodder
The Green Party
The Hereford Civic Society
RRA Architects
St James and Bartonsham Community Association
Watershed

For further information please contact:
Martin Wyness
Media – Hereford & South Herefordshire Green Party
07809 150344
mediasouth@herefordshiregreens.org.uk
www.herefordshiregreens.org.uk

Protests at Irish embassy in London against Shell’s hell in north west Ireland

30.01.2007

At midday today, while a samba band played below, a man who wished to be known as “G” climed the Irish embassy. This was in protest over the Irish governments collusioin with Shell’s activities in North West Ireland where they are constructing a pipeline and refinery. Many campaigners claim this pipeline and refinery pose as serious environmental risk. While there have been widespread protests in Ireland itself many claim that the government of Ireland has given Shell suspiciously favourable business terms on the deal. “G” was arrested for on suspicion of criminal damage though there was no damage visible from ground level. For further details see the corporate watch website.

30.01.2007

301007_Irish_Embassy_Shell_Hell – video/x-ms-wmv 5.4M

Press Release

Today, supporters for the Anti-Shell Campaign took their protest to the Irish Embassy. The action was to target the Irish State; Shell; Statoil and Marathon who are attempting to construct a dangerous and experimental onshore raw gas pipeline and refinery in County Mayo; a beautiful remote part of North West Ireland.

There is massive opposition to this proposed pipeline by the local community, Ireland and internationally. A campaign of direct action against this plan has been ongoing since 2005.

The action at the Embassy today is to demonstrate that this polluting project will not just affect the area in which it is to be built, but will contribute to the ongoing organised destruction of the planet by Shell. The action is in solidarity with the people directly affected by this unprecedented raw gas pipeline, which has been condemned as posing an unacceptable risk to health and safety.

The Irish State actively encourages the Shell led consortium – Norwegian owned Statoil and U.S. owned Marathon – by facilitating stages of the construction project, including the changing of laws to allow the project go ahead. These companies are tax exempt, thus there is no financial benefit to the Irish people. Shell are also deploying hundreds of police, who daily intimidate people and use violence to deter them, especially at recent demonstrations.

The action at the Embassy today is to show the concern which many people share about the corruption and complicity of the Irish Dáil, using its power to sell out the interests of the Irish people, putting personal profit before public interest, safety and health.

Colombian farmers evicted by British mining companies

Representatives of African-Colombian and Indigenous families evicted from their land in the province of La Guajira, Colombia to make way for a massive opencast coal mine will speak in London on Monday 29th January, 6.30pm-8.30pm at The Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2.

Many communities have been forced from their land since the mine opened in the 1970s. The village of Tabaco was demolished in 2001 just after British-based companies bought into the project. Many inhabitants accepted the inadequate financial compensation on offer, others are still holding out for community relocation so that they can continue living as a community and farming the land as they did before.

The British-based companies that now own the mine are Anglo American, BHPBilliton and Xstrata. All raise money on the London Stock Exchange. Anglo American has its head office in London. Many pension funds invest in these companies. Many ordinary working people in Britain, without knowing it, are benefiting from the destruction of farming communities in Colombia by the world’s richest mining multinationals. All three companies have good reputations as socially and environmentally responsible enterprises. The reality is very different. Come and hear the communities’ side of the story

Location: The Auditorium, Amnesty International UK, The Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2
Contact: info@colombiasolidarity.org.uk
(nearest tube Old Street)

3 protesters arrested at supermaket blockade (for Welsh language)

Morrisons supermarket was blockaded by protesters and three members of the Welsh Language Society were arrested today (Saturday 27 January) as part of the continuing campaign for a law ensuring rights to use Welsh
Following a public meeting held in the High Street of Bangor, north Wales, attended by about 250 people a smaller group held a sit-down protest in the entrance to Morrisons supermarket. Despite previous protests and meetings between campaigners and the company’s head office in England, Morrisons have failed to provide a full bi-lingual service.

As eighty or so protesters sat down blocking the entrance a number of other Welsh Language Society members plastered posters on the doors announcing that the store was temporarily shut. Gwenno Teifi, Stiwart Edwards and Bethan Willams were later arrested for suspected criminal damage. were later arrested for suspected criminal damage.

Established in 1962 The Welsh Language Society (Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg) has been successful in winning a TV channel, education reforms and two changes in legislation providing limited rights ensuring government, local councils and official bodies make use of Welsh. However the Society constantly draw attention to examples such as Morrisons as typical of the private sector’s failure to provide bi-lingual services.

More photos on Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51447658@N00/

http://cymdeithas.org

Protests continue at Trebanos

26.01.2007

At 2.00 pm today a group of campaigners against the controversial LNG pipeline forced work to stop yet again on the construction site in Trebanos.

26.01.2007

At 2.00 pm today a group of campaigners against the controversial LNG pipeline forced work to stop yet again on the construction site in Trebanos.

Campaigners occupied a footpath running through the site. They argued that the footpath had been closed illegally because the required seven days notification had not been given. Even local residents had not been informed of the closure.

Initially, the police tried to stop protestors gaining access to the footpath, however, they had to admit that they were uncertain of the legality of the path closure.

Prior to today’s action, work on the construction site had been stopped for three weeks by campaigners occupying the footpath. Resistance to the pipeline is growing, with protest sites and actions against the pipeline increasing daily. The latest direct action site is a tree camp in Brecon occupying the route of the pipeline.

Come to Wales and be on the frontline of Britain’s eco-defence!

Contact Rachael (Trebanos): 01792 830417
Brecon Tree Camp: 07903152822

LONDON MEDIC TRAINING

3-5th February, we are holding an actionmedics training. all welcome. email Â training@actionmedics.org.uk to book a place and get venue details.

What this course is and is not:
This is a 24-hour street medic training. We will cover the majority of the basic information and skills you will need to provide first aid at protests and direct actions.
This will not make you ready for anything. This course is a foundation in first aid and some practice. More diverse and deeper skill comes with time and practice as well as continuing education in health care. You are not a “real” medic until you are in the streets interacting with patients.
One thing we do not teach is Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a great and sometimes necessary skill. But we do not cover it here due to time constraints. You will have to find your own course.
This is NOT a certificate course. You will receive no certifications or licenses of any kind. If you have a first aid certificate (such as First Aid at Work) this will not count as a refresher course (sorry).

http://www.actionmedics.org.uk

Welsh pipeline protest – New tree camp set up near Brecon

22.01.2007

Following support from local people in Brecon at the weekend, a new protest camp has been set up right in the middle of the phase two route of National Grids controversial pipeline.

22.01.2007

Following support from local people in Brecon at the weekend, a new protest camp has been set up right in the middle of the phase two route of National Grids controversial pipeline.

The protest camp is up in the trees in ancient woodland 4 miles west of Brecon on the A40 close to Bettws Penpont church.It is located at Ordnance Survey national grid reference SN9728728525.
The ancient woodland is scheduled for decimation by National Grid to clear a path for the 48″ high pressure gas pipeline. The protesters aim to stop the destruction of yet more ancient woodland by National Grid and it’s contractors.

There are over 15 people on site at the moment and they are requesting any donations. Please send supplies of all sorts, food, water, warm clothes and bedding, camping and cooking gear, wood, rope, nails, etc etc etc. They would also like any people interested to join them and show solidarity in this battle to save our environment.
Map link

Stories about recent stalls & samba in Clydach Indoor Market and Brecon

Bloody report from Ballinaboy/ Rossport, Ireland

Friday 19th January 2007.
Today a good crowd of protestors gathered at the usual rendezvous, approx 60+ people. The crowd was buoyed by the presence of a member of Global Community Monitor, over from the states, and a film crew travelling with him. At 7.30 people proceeded up the road, some wearing white jump suits with chemical contaminants inscribed on the front, poisons which the Ballinaboy terminal would pollute the local area, fresh water and sea with. The crowd was lead with a large banner reading Corrib Terminal Illness.

As the crowd passed over the narrow bridge tempers frayed and to nobodies surprise the Gardai ploughed into the protestors, shoving them every which way. At this point two Gardai held Patâ€™s arms while another punched him in the face several times. Similarly his brother Martin was seriously assaulted, suffering cutting and bruising to face and eye. But as the dawn has not yet broken capturing any image of this is virtually impossible, especially given the number of Gardai there to hide each others activities and deny same.
Itâ€™s very hard to ascertain if there is any logical point to the Gardai activities with regard to wading in and assaulting all around them as other than to bully and injure people it serves no practical purpose. Usually their excuse for pushing and shoving is to ensure your safety and make sure you are on the other side of the white line so none of Shells workers or trucks can possibly be delayed for even a second. However as can be seen in the first photo some Gardai are nearly on the other side of the road, where there is no hard shoulder as this is on the bridge, and still they are pushing, shoving and assaulting people.

Yesterday after the Gardai headed off for their breakfasts, leaving the trucks to fend for themselves, local residents blocked access to the site, holding up stone trucks for a period of time. Security appeared to panic somewhat closing and locking the site gates before Gardai with out a commanding officer appeared on the scene to usher in the stalled trucks.

Water quality continues to be a serious issue, despite Co.Co. assurances that it is fine. Images below show water leaving the Ballinaboy site, some clearly untreated and looking very similar to last year, silver grey, when it was found to be heavily contaminated with aluminium. The main outfall area from the site looks marginally better, where the water is at least supposed to have been treated by this point, however it is also clearly looks nothing like drinking water quality and exhibits some silver grey colouring. Despite the fact that all water leaving the site is supposed to be treated before leaving site you can clearly see the water from the truck wash at Gate 3 being pumped straight into exiting drains.
The past 3 days have seen members of Shell to Sea handing out leaflets at the Shell greenwash events in Castlebar and Ballina. Very few people attended these events, and numbers must have been doubled or even trebled by the attendance of 2 school groups, 1 from secondary school and 1 from primary school, never to early to start brain washing.

Our own presence was welcomed by many people passing by and many who did go in to see Shells expensive PR work were firmly behind the stance of Shell to Sea. As we handed out information leaflets and chatted to people 1 passerby even went into the hotel and brought out a tray of steaming hot whiskeys!

Pipeline protests gather strength

15.01.2007

Active opposition is underway against the South Wales LNG pipeline in three separate locations. Objections to National Grid’s controversial project are spurred by lack of consulation, safety fears, environmenal issues and climate change concerns. Protests grow stronger day by day, supported by long term campaigning, creating a spirited and unified resistance.

15.01.2007

SLOW WALKING

Today saw setbacks to the progress of the South Wales LNG Pipeline for the second week running. Work was delayed at three separate sites along the gigantic 115 mile route way, by a growing anti-pipe movement. The pipeline is part of a massive National Grid project to lay a 115-mile pipeline from Milford Haven to Tirely in Gloucestershire. The project has sparked controversy and opposition from the onset.

Machinery at Trebanos is denied access by a protest camp upon a public footpath. Currently going strong, this has halted work for eight days in a row, much to the ongoing frustration of National Grid officials. Active opposition first began in Trebanos last November with an occupation within the pipe itself.

Inspired by this protestors in Milford Haven have been camped on a public footpath right in the path of the pipe since last November.

Meanwhile at Cilfrew, residents are using a walking blockade along the access road to the site, joined by volunteers from across Britain. This, backed up by a detailed knowledge of regulations and the area is proving most effective. Actions are continuing as they have everyday since Thursday.

Supporting written campaigns are at constant work to back up the direct actions.

Opponents say their investigations have led them to the conclusion that it’s purely profit led and dangerously hasty. By the Health and Safety Executive’s own admission there will be a hole in this pipeline during its lifetime. The volatile safety risks, environmental destruction and significant contribution to climate chaos are the price of National Grid being left unchecked to line their pockets. Cause for a significant and ever increasing number of citizens to take action. These include local communities the length of the route, campaign group Safe Haven Network, climate change groups such as Rising Tide and those concerned with the desecration of mile after mile of beautiful land.

This wanton destruction of our environment and our basic human rights cannot and will not be allowed to continue. The local council turns a blind eye, having ridden roughshod over the very people who voted them in. Democracy has vanished into the mists. The police have become like National Grids own security guards.

This is a battle cry from the valleys of Wales, come and join us, show the establishment they cannot continue to ignore us.

These voices will not die down. We grow stronger day by day, moral is high and the atmosphere is overwhelmingly supportive. The local community are keeping a very warm welcome in the hillsides!