Since the end of November, as the Greater Manchester Police handling of protests at Barton Moss has ranged from the brutal to the bizarre, residents have been waiting for the elected Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd, to act – or even to come to the protest site and see for himself what has been going on.
For three months there has been almost silence from Lloyd as elderly ladies have been forced to almost jog down Barton Moss Road on their daily slow walk demonstrations; while disabled people have been injured; while a Salford schoolgirl has been arrested; while a mother of four described her arrest experience as being "like a sheep in the middle and a pack of wolves all just ganging up on you".
It led the Barton Moss Camp solicitor, Simon Pook of Robert Lizar Solicitors, to call for a United Nations inquest, as the images of the `pack of wolves arrest were flashed around the world (see here)
"What I have witnessed today at Barton Moss has confirmed my greatest fear" he said "A fear that Greater Manchester Police appear to have discarded the European Convention of Human Rights into the gutter, and replaced it with political policing, re-enforced with overt aggression." (see here)
Now, Tony Lloyd has indulged in the politician's response – "an independent panel to examine major protests and demonstrations in Greater Manchester" which will "provide strategic advice on how police manage major demonstrations, as well as being actively involved in police operations during live events".
The panel will meet quarterly with the first meeting happening this week. The Commissioner's statement adds that "as well as discussing the role and remit of the panel, members will discuss recent major demonstrations in Greater Manchester including the ongoing protest at Barton Moss".
Members of the panel, it adds, "have been drawn from across Greater Manchester's diverse communities, and bring with them a vast range of experience including protest and trade union activism, politics, policing, community relations, media and youth engagement". It doesn't name the members of the panel.
Frack Free Greater Manchester (FFGM), which is holding what it hopes will be the largest demonstration against fracking yet seen in the UK in Manchester this Sunday (9th March), has already asked for the chance to address the `independent panel'…
"We would welcome the chance to put our side of the story" says Martin Porter of FFGM "This whole saga from last November onwards is one of misunderstanding and misinformation from GMP. First we were told that Barton Moss Lane was a public highway, and only after over a hundred people had been arrested did a judge agree with us that it was not.
"Then we were accused of firing a flare at a police helicopter, although no evidence was ever produced to back the police claims" he adds "Now we have the situation where Protectors are being arrested for Aggravated Trespass whilst on a Public Footpath and local people are prevented from using the lane as it is regularly sealed off as a 'crime scene'. This cannot be right. All we want is the right to walk down the public footpath as a show of opposition to the presence of iGas, which we believe we have the right to do."
The full statement from Tony Lloyd reads…
"Greater Manchester has a great history of protest and I am proud to say that I have been on many demonstrations throughout the years. As public servants; police have a duty to ensure that people's freedom to peacefully protest is both facilitated and respected. This is frequently a challenge, as they are often thrown into the middle of conflicting and competing rights.
"GMP has a good record in policing protests. Just last year we saw the largest demonstration ever held in the city and it was a textbook case of what can be achieved when protesters work with police. But there's also been issues of legitimate public concern raised: this panel will ensure that there is independent scrutiny of how police approach demonstrations in our region. I'm confident that it will build both trust and public confidence in our police service.
"I'm very grateful that panel members have been willing to give up their own time to provide this advice and input. The members are leaders in their respective fields with an impressive and broad range of experience."
Greater Manchester Chief Constable, Sir Peter Fahy, adds: "I am pleased with this development. Policing has always benefited from local independent oversight and GMP has nothing to hide. The panel will be able to take an objective view on the balance between the right to protest and the rights of residents and businesses."
Barton Moss campaigners have constantly criticised Lloyd for his inaction over the months and whether this `independent panel' placates them remains to be seen. The Salford Mayor, Ian Stewart, meanwhile, has said absolutely nothing on the policing at Barton Moss.
Update: 5th March: Salford Grandma Speaks Out Against Police Abuse at Barton Moss - click here
Update: 8th March: UPDATE: Protest Panel Named…
Tony Lloyd has now named members of the Independent Panel on Protests and Demonstrations…
Chair: Martin Miller: the Diocese of Manchester
Atiha Chaudry: an equalities and diversity specialist and magistrate
Matthew Colledge: former leader of Trafford Council and a Vice Chair of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Diane Curry OBE: Partners of Prisoners Chief Executive and independent member of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel
Davine Forde: youth and community organisation manager who is currently Project Coordinator at Manchester charity Reclaim
Alan Manning: former TUC Regional Secretary
Mohammed Sultan: a retired police inspector with more than 30 years' policing experience
Janine Watson: Assistant Chief Executive at Stockport Council
For further details click here
See also previous Salford Star articles...
* Salford residents denied right to protest - click here
* GMP HQ occupied by Barton Moss campaigners - click here
* Salford residents shock at GMP policing - click here
*Outrage as Salford schoolgirl arrested at Barton Moss - click here
(2).jpg)
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
(1).JPG)
(1).JPG)
.JPG)
(1).jpg)
.JPG)
(1).JPG)
(1).jpg)
(1).JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
