G20, Demonstrations and Police

So here we are. We've had the G20, with one death and at least one unwarranted assault by a member of the Police Service. The death of Ian Tomlinson needs to be investigated with absolute impartiality, otherwise public faith in the Police, already ebbing away, will decrease even further.

WHY?

Because of two things that have happened this week

First, the conspiracy laws were used to prevent a demonstration that could have happen at a power station in the East Midlands. Not only was the demonstration prevented by the arrest of 114 people A police spokesman stated
"The group were believed to be targeting the Ratcliffe-On-Soar coal-fired plant.
He added: "Information received during the operation indicates that a number of those arrested may be linked to a group of climate change protesters who have set up climate camps.
"This group have previously staged demonstrations at Drax power station in North Yorkshire, Heathrow Airport and Kingsnorth power station in Kent." "
But the protests at Drax, Heathrow and Kingsnorth went ahead, it may have involved some extra work for the police, but in all three demos the number of arrests was relatively low, the total number of arrests have been much lower. This is despite the over policing of Kingsnorth due to the policing as the police were "Responding to previous accusations of disproportionate policing measures, ministers had claimed that 70 officers were injured."

But as it later turned out, there was a degree of spinning, as, "It later turned out, however, that no injuries were sustained in clashes with demonstrators, with the figure including such incidents as a suspected wasp sting and sunstroke."

Secondly we see heavy handed Policing, the woman hit by a baton by a sergeant during the G20 for continuing to arguie with him after he cuffed her and the threat of Life imprisonment to Damian Green for doing his job are just examples of Police acting above their powers

It seems to me that we have two things happening.

First we have a Police force that is capable, and willing, to use spin, and/ot force, rather than facts against people who would, by the law of the land, demonstrate against something which they oppose.

Secondly, and more worryingly we have some Police officers who themselves flout the law. If the officer involved in the Tomlinson attack was not a Police officer he would have been arrested for common assault if a Police officer was present. That officer broke the law, unfortunately for him he cannot be seen to have escaped the consequences, even if it destroys his career.

We must now stop the insidious erosion of human rights within this country, some Police officers may believe we are all guilty before being proved innocent and even then their cynicism may prevent them from accepting that anyone may be innocent. It's time for you and I to say "Enough"

Wales England Rugby

Well, now watched THE match on TV as well as being there. What a game, edge of the seat stuff, didn't feel safely in front at any time. I think that Wales didn't play totally to their potential, but mainly because England didn't allow them to. Martin Johnson will be able to take a lot of positives from that game, he lost, his team lost, but they played 300% better than the previous week. The Atmosphere!!! Incredible. The Noise!!! Stupendous. The mix of fans? superb. Small knots of England fans mixed into a sea of red, any aggro, None!! Getting on the train on teh way back, jokes from the English about "Sheepshagers to the rear" Anyone take offence? NO, would anyone have taken offence if we'd lost? No.

Had a really long day, today I'm shattered, but was it worth it? You bet. To stand there, high in the Millenium Stadium belting out Mae Hen Wlad before the game, Cwm Rhonnda (Bread of Heaven) and "Hymns and Arias" during the game, incredible.

Now, having seen the other Games on TV, France looked beatable, and I thought Scotland were more than a little unlucky, but France ARE good, 2 weeks on Friday will be a severe test of Wales, a Friday night game will mean there's less Welsh support as well.

Ireland - Italy looked hard, I think the scoreline flattered Ireland, but they may stil have some players out as a result of that. So Enlgland could run them close, but I can see the last game of the tournament either being a game to decide which of 2 sides will win a grand slam, or possibly Wales coming out to win a championship by stopping Ireland from winning a Grand Slam.

Final Point, Brian Moore's man of the match, someone from the loosing side, Joe Worsley. I agree with BM 100%, one player did more than most of the other to nullify the twin Threats of Robinson and Powell. His (Worsley's) post match interview was revealing. His comments? Wales were tough, he cannot see anyone else winning the championship, how's that for generousity in defeat.

As they say -- Game on