Posts Tagged ‘Parliament Square protest’

24 HR PROTEST / VIGIL – PARLIAMENT SQUARE

SAY "NO" TO NATO!

We need to re-energise the peace movement in a BIG way if we are ever to get OUR TROOPS HOME and prevent another war with IRAN.

MOBALISE! MOBALISE! MOBALISE!

MAY DAY – “ON STRIKE FOR PEACE”

LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE!

We must rid ourselves of the war, if we are going to have a future for our children.

Peace Strike Parliament Square UK

AFGHANISTAN….IRAQ…PAKISTAN……LIBYA…..

IRAN……………?

It’s up to us, the GRASS ROOTS MOVEMENT to lay the terms for war or peace.

Have faith, and be strong……our time will come!

TO PREVENT WAR THE PEOPLE MUST GO ON

STRIKE!

CHURCHILL SPEAKS LIVE FROM PARLIAMENT SQUARE

PEACE CAMP UNDER THREAT

Peace Strike Statement From Parliament Square 17th December 2011

The Peace Strike Campaign at Parliament Square announces to all concerned citizens that there is a real possibility of the ‘Peace Camp’ being disassembled and removed this Monday 19th December 2011.

 

A ‘Commencement Order’ has been issued to activate part of the new ‘Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011’

 

 

SOCPA 2005 parts 132 to 136 and 138 still stand, and will be repealed on the 30th March 2012.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/2834/note/made

However, parts of the PRSR Act 2011 are being activated this Monday, which will make it an offence to sleep overnight at Parliament Square, and any items deemed associated with ‘sleeping’ will be confiscated by an official in authority or a police officer. SOCPA 2005 Part 137 (use of loudspeakers) is repealed on this date.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/2834/article/2/made

This is a strange situation as anyone with authorisation would still have ‘permission to demonstrate over a 24hr period’ however, they would now be denied shelter. This would directly contravene the ‘Human Rights Act’, Articles 10 and 11 which allow for the right to freedom of expression and freedom of Assembly. How can you carry on over a 24hr period, which is allowed, but not have the means to do so, which was legal before? There are many questions to raise.

The big issue is that the people will loose possession of parliament Square, and it will then become a controlled area.

 

Now more than ever, people need to be seen out on the streets. They need to be seen by the Government of the day. There is so much social injustice that is effecting so many people in so many parts of the world. All these issues are all connected.

The ongoing Congo demonstration is an example of a great social injustice that has been allowed to happen, and has been funded and supported by the West. There has been an orchestrated international silence. The Genocide in the Congo is off the scale in modern history.

 

War is looming with Iran, we need to organise NOW for ‘PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKES FOR PEACE’.

Our message is as important as ever. Provided that, within reason, people are demonstrating in a peaceful manner, then there should not be any objection as to how long they need to demonstrate. What harm there is, has not been identified.

The real question the Government needs to ask is:

 

‘WHY ARE PEOPLE DEMONSTRATING?’

‘WHAT ARE THEIR ISSUES?’

‘WHY ARE THEY SO UP UPSET?’

Government should be prepared to meet with grass root campaigners.

People do not stand in the wind, sleet and rain for endless hours without there being a very REAL concern.

 

The ‘Times’ magazine has just voted ‘The Protester’ as person of the year 2011. International protest has brought to the front the ignored concerns of the multitudes.

 

David Cameron advocates that the UK take up Christian values. ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ is the main responsibility of Christians with a ‘duty of care’ for one another. Quite right David, what greater way to express this than to stand up for injustice against our fellow human being.

 

Support would be appreciated on Monday 19th so that our concerns can be put forward in a peaceful manner.

 

Many thanks as always,

Peace Strike Campaign ‘ On Strike for Peace’

Parliament Square

07907233861

Message From Winston Churchill Speaking live from Parliament Square on behalf of Peace Strike and all demonstrators 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmWfBgCaB7g

I address the Nation on very grave matter that threaten the very core of what Britain stands for nationally and internationally. A threat that will try to engulf and wash away our freedoms. It is a time when we must unite and resist this tyranny together.

“I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home Parliament Square, to ride out the storm of oppression, and to outlive the menace of tyranny,

The British Nation, linked together in their common cause and in their need, will defend to the end their protest rights, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.

Even though many countries in Europe act very harshly towards political dissidents, we shall not flag or fail in our endeavours to speak out for the common good.

We shall go on to the end, we shall peacefully resist,
we shall resist in Whitehall,
we shall resist with growing confidence and growing strength in Westminster, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,
we shall resist in Parliament Square,
we shall resist on the land,
we shall resist in the fields and in the streets,
we shall resist in the hills;
Peacestrikeshall never surrender.

The gratitude of every home in our Island, in our Nation, and indeed throughout the world, except in the abodes of the guilty, goes out to the British Political Resistors who, undaunted by odds, unwearied in their constant legal challenge, are turning the tide of the Political oppression by their continuous ongoing protest.

Never in the history of protest in our country, was so much planned, by so many, to so few.

All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: Freedom, Justice, Honour, Duty, Mercy, Hope.

I say to you now, people of Great Britain,

We must end the corporate war in Afghanistan,

We must honour our troops,

We must bring them home!

In achieving this mighty task, after nearly a decade of war

We will be able to proclaim THIS IS OUR FINEST HOUR.

POLICE REFORM AND SOCIAL RESPONSIILITY BILL * ROYAL ASSENT *

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/policereformandsocialresponsibility.html

15th September 2011. After consideration in the House, the ‘Police and Social Responsibility Bill’ has been granted Royal Assent.

Be alert to the possible threat, to on-going protest at Parliament Square.

Parliament is now again in recess, and will resume again from Monday 10th October.

UK GOVERNMENT: LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE!

END THIS SENSELESS WAR!

HONOUR OUT TROOPS – BRING OUR TROOPS HOME!

The majority of the UK citizens wish the safe return of our soldiers, and an end to the futile never ending war in Afghanistan. Too many soldiers and innocent civilians have been maimed and killed in order to protect the corporate financial interest and assets of the global business empire. The rich have got richer while the poor have got poorer, paying for wars we do not believe in. This has got to stop!

These opinion polls support this view.

Dr David Miller

http://www.dmiller.info/David.Miller/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74

http://www.globalissues.org/article/302/world-opinion-opposes-the-attack-on-afghanist

Channel 4 News 2009

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/uk/afghan+poll+majority+want+troops+home/3411597.html

Angus Reid Poll 2011 UK

http://www.angus-reid.com/issue/afghanistan

Wikipedia UK

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_public_opinion_on_the_war_in_Afghanistan

PollingReport.com – Afghanistan. (USA)

http://www.pollingreport.com/afghan.htm

Record number want Afghan troops home. (USA)

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/57452.html

Global Post: Afghanistan a battle for public opinion. (USA)

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/africa/090907/afghanistan-battle-public-opinion

PETITION AGAINST USE OF WATER CANNON AND PLASTIC BULLETS

Petition into Downing Street 11th August 2011

With a notice of 24 hours, the authorities in the UK can now authorise the use of water cannon and plastic bullets, should there be a threat of the violence and looting that has been witnessed in so many  of our cities country-wide.

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2087759,00.html

To date, the evidence against the use of such drastic measures speak for themselves.

It must never be acceptable that we, the British people, will allow our civil liberties to be pushed beyond what is reasonable. Water canon and rubber bullets have been used in Northern Ireland. Sadly this has generally been accepted across the UK. Now for the first time, they could be used in mainland Britain. Also, worryingly, they could be used against protesters and to stop blockades.

We need to rally now in defence of what Britain stands for, and It does not accept that we turn on our own people with force that could lead to serious injury or death. It is used in other countries, however, the British nation will not accept its use here. We say to the British Government:

” DON’T CROSS THE LINE”

If we do, the use of water cannon and plastic bullets  would lead to more potential violence and resentment.

The warning signs of civil unrest has been spoken about for years, coming from teachers, police, social workers, community workers etc. The issue is that consecutive governments have chosen to ignore these concerns.  With the recent austerity cuts that have affected people on low income especially, there has been an outcry, by the people, that has gone unheeded.

Ultimately, if we insist on waging wars, that the people do not want to  support, morally or financially, then something has got to give…..

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/09/plastic-bullets-warning-police-orde

Top cop warns against use of plastic bullets on rioters.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/aug/09/riots-curfew-water-cannon

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_cannon

Refers to safety aspect.

http://rfjusa.org/2011/08/plastic-bullets-are-never-a-solution/

Numbers killed by plastic bullets

WE SAY NO TO THE USE OF WATER CANNON AND PLASTIC BULLETS ON THE STREETS OF BRITAIN!

WHAT CAN YOU DO ?……………….PETITION HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT and pass this message on…

Petition submitted by Greg Matthews.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/8860

PLEA FOR PEACE IN PARLIAMENT SQUARE

PLEA FOR PEACE IN PARLIAMENT SQUARE

We urgently NEED to make the Peace in Parliament Square,for the sake of the people on who’s behalf we are suppose to be campaigning for.

There are deep rooted grievances at the Square that should be put aside if we are to have any real chance of working effectively for peace.

Any personal allegations made against individuals in the Peacestrike Campaign can be dealt with and we are willing to do so. We can defend our actions if required.

Peacestrike is working to promote peace for all people. We do not promote any acts of confrontation or abuse, aimed at anyone. We do not encourage any abuse of ANY individual, regardless who they are. We may have made mistakes. If we have faltered, then we have apologised. We are open to discussion and indeed we would like open dialogue with everyone at the Square. If there is a problem then we….

NEED TO TALK!

With the impending threat of the new ‘POLICE REFORM AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BILL’ going through Parliament right now, this would be a good time to unite for the common cause of defending Parliament Square for the RIGHT reasons. Surly we can do that?

BOTTOM LINE…..IF WE ARE UNABLE, AS A PEACE MOVEMENT,TO SORT OUT OUR OWN HOUSE, HOW ARE WE SUPPOSE TO RECONCILE THE TRAGIC ISSUES OF ISRAEL, PALESTINE AND AFGHANISTAN ETC?

We are not asking people to come down to the Square and take sides or get involved in all the “negative” issues. We send out this plea for people to come down to promote peace and spread some love, in order to lift the very heavy atmosphere that hangs over the place at present. There is also quite a large group of homeless people. They are disenfranchised and distressed at times. However, they are trying to survive, and are generally in good humour, despite obvious struggles and issues. We all need support and encouragement…..It is not our place to say whether they should be at the Square or not. The point is, until they are moved on, for whatever reason, they are entitled to be there. At present, it is their home.

The peace movement is not Parliament Square, it is made up of all the campaigns, groups, and individuals who speak out against oppresion and injustice. We are all a part of the on-going struggle, and we are all linked in the work we collectively do. We are not separate, and we all need each others support. No one does it on their own!

We may not be able to heal the individual relationship breakdowns that have taken hold in the Square, but we must not allow it to become a “NO GO ZONE! Come along and bring some peace, positive thoughts and views. Above all, don’t go away disenchanted!  Without effort and goodwill there is no hope for change.

WE HAVE AN INTERNATIONAL DUTY, AND RESPONSIBILITY, TO ALL VICTIMS OF WAR AND OPPRESSION, TO SET ASIDE OUR PERSONAL DIFFERENCES.

This message goes out in good faith.

Maria Gallastegui

Peacestrike Campaign

Parliament Square

15th June 2011

STATEMENT AND OPEN LETTER

THREAT OF EVICTION  * HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 and HIGH COURT INJUNCTION *

On the afternoon of the 17th January, we received a letter from Westminster City Council stating that we are an unlawful obstruction on the pavement opposite the Houses of Parliament. Also to make certain they achieve their objective, they have applied to the High Court for an injunction. They wanted a written reply by 12pm Friday 21st. The letter was confusing as it stated that all articles will be removed by 5pm, if we did not comply. We have replied to the legal department of Westminster City Council and have made it clear we intend to defend our ongoing stand at Parliament Square.

We are now subject to legal proceedings, to be heard in the High Courts of Justice, sometime in March….

Peacestrike has occupied this area for the past 2 years with tents and display structures. To date, we have received  no official complaints regarding obstruction, hygiene issues, or complaints regarding abusive or disruptive  behavior. We take pride in the management of  our on-going 24hr demonstration and accept we have a social responsibility in keeping our area in good order.

Peacestrike also has two large box / plinth structures. One has been there since November 2009. We standby their legality, in keeping with the police dimensions stipulated in SOCPA ACT 2005.

Peacestrike has four SOCPA ACT 2005 authorisations at Parliament Square and one in Whitehall. The threat to these rights should be through new legislation. The repeal of SOCPA ACT 2005 is in proposed legislation contained in the ‘Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill’. This  is now reached  committee stage in the House of Commons. They ask people to submit objections, recommendations and concerns, to the committee by Feb……. If passed by both Houses, it will not come into law until after the Royal wedding. This is due process and proper procedure, and allows time for people to organise a counter argument and open the discussion to all parties who may be affected by such legislation. We feel that the SOCPA ACT 2005 and the European Convention of Human Rights, Articles 10 and 11 surly cannot be overturned by Highway legislation. besides,very few people venture onto Parliament Square since it has been fenced off since July 2010.

It seems that Westminster City Council and the Government wish to Pre-empt this law in order to rid themselves of demonstrations in Parliament Square right now. The problem is that in their haste, yet again, they are in great danger of ‘Throwing the baby out with the bath water!’

We feel it necessary, due to the change in circumstances, to make this statement on behalf of the good people of this country who are unaware of the serious threat to our great history of protest. If we do not act now, 24hr overnight protest will be outlawed. The reasons the demonstrations at Parliament Square have gone on for so long is directly connected to our on-going wars and illegal occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq. Remember, people, children, and soldiers are killed and seriously wounded every day!

We have a heavy burden of responsibility to get this right, as time is short. As yet, there has been no real opportunity for public opposition or debate. All the media has centred on the concerns of the Home Office, politicians, council, GLA, and the police. Do we really want our Government to send a message out to the world that protest is stifled and now timetabled and controlled. In emergencies people will naturally not want to go home, such as the Tamils in 2009. Emotions cannot, and never will be controlled by legislation, especially if the Government of the day is responsible for the atrocities. The people of the country always have a duty to express their concerns. We should always have the right to be angry and outraged. The Public Order Act 1980 has always been available to the police, if things get out of hand. Other countries do not share this great privilege,therefore because we can we must be the voice for the voiceless.

The Royal Family should be proud and protective of our heritage. We need to have a very frank and open discussion concerning this very important and historic right.

There are many examples of on-going demonstrations of similar standing throughout the world.

The Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra, Australia, which has been there for over 39 years, since 1972 . It will continue, until the full rights of the Aboriginal People are restored.

http://www.indigenousaustralia.info/land/land-rights/the-tent-embassy.html

White House Peace Camp. A lady called Concepcion Picciotto has been outside the White House for 30 years, since 1981

http://www.prop1.org/conchita/

Faslane Peace Camp, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Established in 1984…… some 28 years ago!

Located by Faslane Nuclear Submarine Base.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faslane_Peace_Camp

Vancouver, Canada on-going protest, 4 years plus.

Recently won British Columbia Court of Appeal regarding Falun Gong on-going protest outside Chinese Consulate. Court over ruled Vancouver City Bylaws as unconstitutional, Oct 21st 2010.

http://mwcnews.net/news/americas/6059-falun-gong-wins-court-battle-against-chinese-consulate.htm

Chinese Embassy……over 8 years….Portland Place London, 24hr, on-going….Falun Gong Practitioners. Started 5th June 2002.

http://www.clearwisdom.net/html/articles/2010/7/23/118782.html

Winnie the pig resided in a pen in Parliament Square, by the Churchill Statue, for 3 months between Feb – May 2000. There did not seem to be any objection at the time, indeed it would have been considered very British. Also, spent a day opposite Downing Street March 2008, and was visited by celebrities and MP’s and Lord Tebbit. Maybe she was tolerated, as the pig could not talk back!

http://www.pigworld.co.uk/Pages/winnie-the-pig.html

Democracy Village. Established in run up to election May1st, 2010 in Parliament Square, London. lasted 3 months. SOCPA ACT 2005 was never used.

Royalty and Politicians have to live in the real world where protest is essential to the Democratic process. We do not live in a sanitised country or world,nor would we want to. As long as protest is reasonable and peaceful, we feel we have every right to keep going….

We therefore invite Royalty, Politicians,Police, Council Officials, GLA, Journalists, Lawyers and Campaigners to a meeting in the House of Commons. We are trying to get a committee room made available as soon as possible. We are confident we can come to an amicable agreement to suit all parties concerned.

Without discussion there is no way forward.

If dialogue fails ,or is just ignored, then Peacestrike intends to stand firm at Parliament Square,  regardless of the consequences.

Maria Gallastegui

Peacestrike Campaign                       www.peacestrike.org

Parliament Square 07907 233 861    maria@peacestrike.org

Emails will be sent to parties concerned.

Peacestrike acknowledges that the Parliament Square Peace Campaign is a separate campaign, and may not share the same views as expressed by Peacestrike.

Peace Strike PEACE CAMP

Peace Strike operates a 24hr on-going Peace camp / Picket at Parliament Square,

UK.

We are

‘ON STRIKE FOR PEACE’

Since 2007…….