Criminal Justice Bill - More Injustice

The Criminal Justice Bill represents a serious attack on our rights to protest, to party and simply to live our lives as we choose. The more you read about it the more worrying it becomes.

Most seriously for Earth First!ers is probably the plan to make tresspass a criminal offence rather than a civil offence. Attempting to peacefully stop the destruction of our countryside and our planet wilt officially become a crime- punishable by up to 3 months in prison or £2500 fine. The right to silence will be abolished - saying nothing would be an admission of guilt.

Merely assembling on private land is also out the window - (no more picnics in the woods). The order to stop any activity can be extended for up to 5 miles around a specified site - and the police can stop anyone they simply believe is going there - without having to prove you actually were! We’re sure this clause won't be abused by the police.......Get off my neck you nice policeperson.

Travellers, gypsies, squatters and ravers are also under attack. Basically, the police will now have legal backing for moving on, chucking out or generally harassing anyone that they don't like.

Meanwhile, killing foxes, preparing for nuclear war, turning our hillsides into holes and tarmac, and racial harassment are all fine!

Our planet is being destroyed by people with real interests to defend; as we win campaigns so the goalposts will move. Various groups have made moves to oppose the Bill, but we’re still waiting for concerted action. We can write to our M.P.'s- they’ll decide over the next few months - but it seems essential we are committed to defeating this with weight of numbers, bravery and smiles for the cameras. We can’t let it stand in our way - we are fighting for our future! See you on that dozer....

Contact Liberty, M11 campaign or Roads Alert! for more info.