CommunitySafe.gov.uk

Today, information suggests that the former 'Democracy Camp' villagers intend to hold an anti-Afghan War march and rally, gathering at the north side of Trafalgar Square at 1200hrs and marching down Whitehall at about 1230hrs to Victoria Tower Gardens for their rally. With their previous history, it is unlikely those attending will walk on the pavement and will attempt to march on Whitehall itself, requiring any accompanying police officers to initiate some form of traffic control. Their route will obviously take them past 10, Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence, historically previous targets of their direct actions. It is possible that some form of protest may occur as they pass Downing Street, although nothing has so far been indicated by them.

There is also the possibility that they will attempt to gain access to their former home on Parliament Square as they have done before. Normally access has been gained by climbing one of the permanent structures outside the Harris fencing and jumping onto the grassed area beyond the fencing however, there have been attempts to remove fence panels using a spanner to remove the bolts holding the panels together allowing access.

To sum up, it is possible that activists involved will obstruct Whitehall as they walk towards Victoria Tower Gardens. They will walk past Downing Street, the MoD main building, Parliament Square and the Palace of Westminster all of which have been the recipients of previous direct actions by the Villagers and are still viewed as legitimate targets by them.

We would anticipate in the region of 30 - 40 activists taking part who will be non-compliant with police and will endeavor to cause as much disruption as their numbers will allow.

As a result the police are informing managers of premises situated in the vicinity of the potential for displacement of protesters who may seek to commit acts of trespass by entering government buildings in the vicinity, therefore may carry out hostile reconnaissance before making efforts to enter and occupy nearby buildings.

It is for these reasons police are requesting that you make sure all your security measures are in place for your building and any open land in the case of displacement.

Any additional information will be circulated as soon as practicable.

In the case of emergencies please contact the police via the 999 system. Any other related matters please contact the Communities Together team on helpline 0800 028
2390.

CAD/5552/30JUL2010 Refers