Teenager, Rollie, 17 from Hartlepool speaks out on their 10 day occupation of the Euston tunnel network to protest HS2
The eviction of Poor’s Piece Wood on the edge of Steeple Claydon in Buckinghamshire MK18 2HH has begun today. Members of the National Eviction Team (NET) employed by HS2 to forcefully remove tree protectors arrived on site early this morning. Tree protectors are locked-on in treehouses and towers in the three acre ancient woodland in an act of non-violent direct action, and are determined to protect the wood for future generations.
As we face the climate emergency, one of the most disappointing aspects of the last 3 weeks at Euston Square Gardens has been the wall of silence from MPs and Peers, save the very few (thank you Caroline Lucas, Zarah Sultana and Baroness Jenny Jones) who have spoken up in support of the protesters and their aims. We know many more are opposed to HS2, for environmental, finance and governance reasons, but where have they been?
The right to peacefully protest is a cornerstone of a liberal democratic society, protected under articles 10 and 11 of the European Conventions of Human Rights. Whilst there are structures under which this right can be challenged and restricted by law, such as The Public Order Act 1986, the freedom of expression and assembly remains.
From Cornwall to Liverpool, Long Itchington Compound in Warwickshire to Totnes Station, outside MPs homes, off bridges and churches, and posters in home windows - today, the UK is covered in banners with a breadth of messaging united against the most destructive infrastructure project in UK history - HS2.
Author: Sebastian Sandys At the weekend, those well known uncooperative crusties down at the Daily Telegraph produced this handy little graphic that illustrates very well the actual cost of the…