This UNISON Branch Committee (London Metropolitan University) condemns the brutal police conduct on the demonstration of 9th December 2010 in Parliament Square.
We note that members of our branch witnessed, and were subjected to, horrific violence on that day, including: horse-charges, beatings with truncheons,by police with balaclavas and numbers covered; our members were ‘kettled’ by the police, and detained against their will, some until almost 11pm at night.
We note that one student from Middlesex Uni, Alfie Meadows, had to undergo brain surgery after being hit with a police truncheon, and another student, Tahmeena Bax, was beaten unconscious. Both are looking for witnesses. We note also the documented abuse of a journalist, Jody Macintyre, who was dragged by riot police from his wheelchair.
We believe this violent overreaction and excessive use of force by the Metropolitan Police is an affront to our democratic right to protest. We also believe that there will be many more protests and demonstrations in the months to come in opposition to the cuts.
We therefore resolve to call on our regional and national bodies to:
- Congratulate the student movement for taking an inspiring lead in the fight against cuts and support further protests called by the students’ movement;
- Condemn the violent policing of protests to date;
- Stand in solidarity with all those who have been victims of the heavy handed policing of protests since 10th November;
- Support the call for an independent inquiry into the policing;
- Call for an end to ‘kettling’ of protests;
- Reject the threatened use of water canon or any further increase in the powers of police.
- Defend the right to protest
