Returning from the climate camp in Kent, singer Theo says he’s been inspired by what he sees as “the birth of a new climate change movement”, following a week of discussion and protest action at Kingsnorth, where the government plans to build a new coal-fired power station.
“The mass meeting after the day’s action was electric. Hundreds of the young people there had never taken Direct Action before and they were feeling massively empowered. The camp was a total success, not only in overcoming the heavy odds stacked against us by the policing methods, but also in creating a free, safe, and sustainable space for meeting, learning new skills, and discussing what needs to be done. While the climate change situation is worsening, and inaction by the powers that be is becoming unbearable, this movement from below is keeping the issues on the front page, and offering real solutions. We were proud to be part of it, as campers and as a band.”
The band played on the Thursday night to a packed marquee, after Shannon managed to negotiate a “fast-track” search at the police checkpoint outside. We played for over an hour to the high-energy crowd who carried the music along on a wave of excitement even when the power cut-out at one point and both the PA and lights went down. In the dark with only sax and drums audible from stage, the “Oh Aars” of Rich’s pirate song “Globalisation” still rang out. The power went off again during Shannon’s “With My Hammer” – but the whole crowd seemed to be singing the choruses, so it didn’t matter. It reminds you that people used to make music before amplification! (Although however passionately Theo sang Ned Ludd at the start of the gig, it was clear from the state of his voice that the invention of mics is a definite plus for vocalists). PC 365 also went down particularly well, celebrating as it does the defection of a police-officer to the side of the protestors.
There was much discussion throughout the camp about how to deal with the cops, who were essentially being used to disrupt camp life and intimidate locals and newcomers. Despite major provocation, the people there stayed peaceful and generally friendly with them, and many local families braved police searches to come and see the camp for themselves. Hopefully some of the cops who were unhappy with the oppressive role they were given will now be thinking about how they might organise rank and file officers to resist unlawful orders in future. People who earn their living in the Police force have as much to lose from government inaction over climate change as the rest of us!
There’s plenty of good and interesting footage out on the web about the camp, the issues, the protest actions and the police operations, so you can catch up if you didn’t make it this year. Visit the link below, or see a funny short about policing at http://blip.tv/file/1159164 .
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