Mersey Dock Occupation Delays Dead Rainforest
It could only happen in Liverpool! This was Europe’s largest and longest rainforest demo yet, with over 400 people from everywhere (UK, US and Germany), we showed the bastards what we thought of rainforest destruction.
The whole atmosphere was one of fun and friendship (even with the pigs!) and so there was never really any hostility between anyone as everyone was sympathetic.
On the first day we stormed the fences, occupied cranes, piles of dead rainforest, observation towers and machinery; we hung banners off everything and blocked the busy dock road causing confusion to the press and Police. Oh the press ...they went crazy, full front page on the Liverpool Echo (massive readership) and coverage throughout the national media.
Police relations were good; because of full liaison work, violence on both sides was prevented and we all got on like good mates. This was helped with good legal backup, and non-violence training from experienced CND activists. The demo went ahead despite the delayed arrival of the ship so people stayed up the cranes all night in anticipation whilst other people got off to Barrow for the launch of Trident.
The second day saw a complete change in attitude by the authorities. They’d let us have our fun on the first day and they were determined that the ship would dock on the Wednesday. Under fear of violence, our press office got the media straight down there - our strongest weapon against foul play, but already the Police were wading in and holding people illegally in a big cage, like animals, in a warehouse.
As the ship came out of the lock hundreds of heads dropped as we saw the name 'NIPS'. Activists occupied capstans and ladders on the dock side, before being dragged off by the police, meanwhile people banged a deafening din on the fences all day. The dockers refused to unlock whilst any of us were in any danger (good one!), but in the end, the giant piles of once beautiful Rainforest were unloaded.
The good points:
No in fighting amongst activists, good relations with Dockers, Press
and police. Good facilities laid on (food and accomodation - all
donated); the feeling of strength, confidence and achievement.
The bad points:
The failure of other national groups to support the demonstration. The
feeding of false information by the police, and one pig who liked
violence. The hesitancy and slow thinking by activists (more could
have got over the fence) and people doing very dangerous stunts -
dicing with death (“You’re mad, Colin”).
Love to Marissa and the two coppers who were accidentally injured. Please could anyone return any Kryptonites as we are fast approaching debt; and if anyone has any photos or press clippings could you send us copies as we are compiling a booklet.
Love and Peace
Simon (Merseyside EF!)