Environmental Activists Labelled Fascists!

It was a busy few days for Manchester Earth First! and our visitors from all over the country. (20th- 23rd SEPT) Partnerships For Change was Rio 2, a 'feet on the ground' conference to show the physical achievements after the Earth Summit Delegates from around the world were wined, dined, entertained, and fed bullshit by the British Government. It must be said there were numerous worthwhile projects being presented, and many people concerned for real change.

However there were some who definitely should not have been there. John Gummer, Natwest Bank, Mercedes and Shell were among those portraying themselves as greener than green!

A women's action early on Monday 18th stopped Gummer in his tracks. Having driven up to Manchester, he took a ceremonial tram ride to the conference, but banners held across the track forced him to get out and walk.

Minutes later during the opening speech he was heckled about Twyford and replied with "fascist". Mr Gummer was once again interrupted in a press conference resulting in two protesters being removed by police.

Around the same time it was reported that a video of Mr Major welcoming people, which was to be shown, went missing.

To highlight Natwest's complete hypocrisy, at noon EF!ers dressed in suits and clutching FTs entered their international office. Demands were made and ignored. Food and blankets were smuggled in and a dozen stayed the night watched by staff.

Tuesday lunch time the group left minutes before an injunction arrived. Excellent press and not a single arrest in three days.