Showing posts with label Parliamentary Question. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parliamentary Question. Show all posts

Thursday, 26 May 2016

Undercover Police & Parliamentary Questions

1. Messages of support:
Early Day Motion in Westminster Parliament on Blacklisting High Court victory - submitted by Chris Stephens MP 
"That this House welcomes the recent public apology and admission of wrongdoing made by eight major construction firms in the High Court, and the settlement reached between the construction workers, Unite the Union, GMB and UCATT trade unions, the Blacklist Support Group and their legal teams with those construction firms that will mean that 771 blacklisted workers will share an estimated £50 million in compensation; praises the work of the Blacklist Support Group, the justice campaign and support network for those caught up in the UK construction industry blacklisting scandal; notes that trade unionists, safety campaigners, journalists, academics and environmental activists were all blacklisted by big business; further notes that blacklisting was exposed in 2009 after a raid on the offices of the Consulting Association that operated the blacklist on behalf of the major companies, and that trade union members were denied work over many years due to their trade union activity on previous building sites, raising concerns over asbestos, poor working conditions and unpaid wages; notes the investigation on this subject carried out by the Scottish Affairs Committee in the last Parliament; notes with concern media reports that senior police officers attended meetings of the blacklisting organisation; and calls on the Government to conduct a full public inquiry into the scandal of blacklisting".

'To the Comrades at the Blacklist Support Group: 
Congratulations on your struggle and on the fact that through your struggle you have prevailed. From the CFMEU Australia.'
David Noonan - National Secretary Construction Forestry Mining & Energy Union

'Whilst we must get the directors and companies in the dock - I have to say a huge well done to you all. The campaign has been a real inspiration to all class justice campaigners. In recent weeks we have witnessed a sea change with the Hillsborough verdict inspiring the Orgreave and Scottish Miners' justice campaigns and your case encouraging the campaign for a Pitchford style inquiry in Scotland. Please pass on my ongoing support to all comrades - I am very proud to have supported your campaign.'
Scottish Parliament - Motion Number: S5M-00002 - Lodged By: Neil Findlay MSP
Title: Blacklisting Compensation Payout
'That the Parliament welcomes the settlement reached between the construction workers and Unite the Union that will mean that 256 blacklisted workers, including workers from across the Lothians, will share more than £10 million in compensation; notes that this follows a £5.4 million settlement between the GMB and the same companies; believes that justice will only be served when the directors of the companies that were organising the blacklist are tried in court, and calls on the Scottish Government, councils, public bodies and the UK Government to end the issuing of contracts to the companies responsible until they have proven that they have self-cleansed.'

2. High Court media coverage 
This was just a small selection with blacklisted workers appearing on TV, radio & print media - well done to all those who represented.  

3. Undercover Police spying on activists 
Spycops conference - video footage of speeches about undercover police spying from Doreen Lawrence, John McDonnell, Helen Steel, Jenny Jones, Dave Smith, Michael Mansfield and many many more. 
Forget the BBC Undercover drama - these are the true stories of undercover police https://policespiesoutoflives.org.uk/our-stories/

Scottish Parliament Motion Number: S5M-00003 - Lodged By: Neil Findlay MSP
Title: Scotland, Pitchford and Undercover Policing
That the Parliament believes that a growing number of Scottish citizens have been identified as being involved in undercover policing scandals involving the National Public Order Intelligence Unit and the Special Demonstration Squad of the Metropolitan Police, either as victims or as officers working on cases; considers that these units operated in Scotland keeping political, environmental, trade union and other activists under surveillance using unethical and often illegal methods; understands that the Pitchford inquiry, established by the Home Secretary, Theresa May, to look into undercover policing since the 1960s, does not cover Scotland in its remit; further understands that the Scottish Government has written to the UK Government asking for the inquiry to be extended to cover Scotland, and notes the view that, should this request be refused, the Scottish Government should set up its own inquiry so that all UK citizens, including those in Lothian who have been affected by what it considers this scandal can have the opportunity to get to the truth.


4. One struggle for justice:
Scottish Parliament Motion Number: S5M-00001 Lodged By: Neil Findlay
Title: Lessons from Hillsborough:
That the Parliament welcomes the verdict of the Hillsborough inquests, which determined that the 96 Liverpool football fans who died were unlawfully killed; congratulates the outstanding commitment and campaigning of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign; notes the behaviour and conduct of South Yorkshire Police throughout the whole Hillsborough story and believes that the findings of the inquest are such that many further questions arise in relation to other major events involving the police at that time; notes calls for an inquiry into events at Orgreave during the 1984-85 miners’ strike, and further notes the call by journalists at the Sunday Mail and the Scotland on Sunday for an inquiry into the policing of the strike in Scotland and a review of the convictions of those arrested, including many miners from across the Lothians.

4. Blacklisted by Skanska?
a journalist from Sweden is visiting London next week and would like to discuss with any workers blacklisted by Skanska - please email back if you would lie to meet up. 

5. Art Against Blacklisting
Coming Soon: World renowned blues artist Sean Taylor has recorded a track 'Blacklist Number One' which will be released as a campaign single by the Blacklist Support Group. Video and remixes are currently in production. This is the kind of thing to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLgBMusgD1U 

The play 'Any Means Necessary' by Kefi Chadwick about undercover police spies is having a read through in London on 15th June - this is invitation only but blacklisted workers and people spied on by the police can get guest list by contacting BSG. 

Film producer Tom Wood is in the final stages of his documentary about the blacklisting scandal - watch this space for more details

Artists film maker Lucy Parker Blacklist project http://www.cityprojects.org/

6. Watch this space:
Places to look out for blacklisted workers in the near future: GMB Conference, Glastonbury Festival, UNITE conference, Durham Miners Gala, Hazards campaign conference, Marxism Festival, Orgeave Justice Conference - if you see us wearing our Blacklisted t-shirts, come and say 'hello'
After nearly 18 months on bail, Dave Smith is finally facing trial at the City of London Magistrates Court on 9th-10th June following his arrest while protesting against blacklisting on Crossrail. 

7. UCATT conference votes to merge with UNITE

8. Donations to good causes
There have been a number of people asking if they can make donations to support the campaign. There are many organisations that have stood shoulder to shoulder with blacklisted workers over the years but the organisations we are going to suggest are:

BSG / Rank & File (the rank and file of our movement is what gives us strength - the absolute bedrock of the blacklisting campaign)
Account Name: Joint Sites Committee 
Account Number: 30525480
Sort Code: 20-80-57

Reel News (you've all seen the videos - they don't make themselves) 
Account Name:REEL NEWS
Account Number:65265026
Sort Code: 08-92-99

Hazards (the safety magazine & campaign that have been with us from the very start and who run the excellent blacklist blog) www.hazards.org/blacklistblog
Account Name: Hazards
Account Number: 00688074 
Sort Code: 309751
http://www.hazards.org/subscribehazards.htm - to subscribe or donate to Hazards magazine 

Undercover Research Group (specialize in exposing undercover police officers spying on activists)

9. And finally
An updated edition of 'Blacklisted' book is currently being written by Phil Chamberlain and Dave Smith. You will be pleased to hear that there is likely to be a break from BSG updates for the next few weeks. 



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Friday, 1 April 2016

Jeremy Corbyn Issues Pleading Petition!

YESTERDAY, Jeremy Corbyn issued a petition (see below) calling on the general public to join him in calling on 'Parliament to be recalled to hold the Government to account as an urgent priority'.
Well, there you go! 
That will show the Tories who is in charge! 
Oh, Brave New World!
There was a time, perhaps in the 1970s, when the workers who were being threatened would have been occupying the plant.  Remember the Upper Clyde Shipbuilders?
Now the Labour movement has to depend upon the Corbynistas pleading with people to sign their petitions so that the closer of the steel industry can be discussed and the world put to rights. 
How times have changed and not for the better.
If we needed proof of the impotence of the British left and the trade unions, we would not need more evidence of the decline in the influence of the forces of progressive politics than this petition which is now being offered by the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn.
Meanwhile, slightly to the left of Mr. Corbyn the Socialist Party front organization, the National Shop Stewards Network, is calling a public rally this Saturday April 2nd in Port Talbot 'to launch our campaign for nationalisation'. 
That may mean we can look forward to more marching together with other comrades pretending to resolve the matter.  Yet more demonstrations of  impotence!

Comrades,
Sign and share this petition as widely as possible: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/126128








Petition Call on David Cameron to act to protect our steel industry & recall Parliament 
David Cameron must take immediate action to act to protect the steel industry and the core of manufacturing in Britain. Join me in calling for Parliament to be recalled to hold the Government to account as an urgent priority
134,121 signatures

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Thursday, 9 July 2015

Call for Pitchford Enquiry to look at police spies

MPs have called for the Pitchford inquiry into the failures of undercover policing to cover spying on trade unions. Teresa May is set to announce the full Terms of Reference for the Pitchford Inquiry next week. The full text of Early Day Motion #263 submitted by John McDonnell MP is below:

'That this House remains deeply concerned about the extent and conduct of undercover police surveillance and the use of covert human intelligence sources; deeply regrets the distress caused to women by undercover officers forming intimate relationships and even fathering children with them; is concerned that police surveillance extended to covert monitoring of anti-racist and family justice campaigns, together with other civil society and political groups; is shocked by the revelations of Peter Francis, former member of the Metropolitan Police Force's Special Demonstration Squad, in relation to the unit's covert state surveillance of trade unions and their members, including Unison, the Fire Brigades Union, the Communication Workers Union, the National Union of Teachers and the construction workers union UCATT; commends the ongoing campaign of the National Union of Journalists over the surveillance of union members; welcomes the inquiry to be conducted by Lord Justice Pitchford into covert police surveillance; and calls on the terms of reference of the inquiry to include an investigation into the practice of covert surveillance of lawful trade union activities.'


John McDonnell MP has been at the forefront of exposing the role of undercover police spying on and colluding with the blacklisting of trade unions. He commented:
'Thousands of innocent trade unionists and their families have suffered at the hands of blacklisting companies. They deserve a thorough and open inquiry to bring out the truth of how they were victimised and harmed by blacklisting.'

The Blacklist Support Group (BSG) has led the campaign to expose the role of the police spying colluding with blacklisting union members and has made a formal submission to the Home Office with suggested Terms of Reference for the Pitchford Inquiry into undercover policing, calling for the judge led inquiry to investigate police surveillance of trade union members. The Pitchford Inquiry was set up by Teresa May before the General Election following the revelations that undercover police units spied on the Stephen Lawrence family and had long term sexual relationships with women activists they were spying on. BSG are being legally represented by the prominent human rights solicitor Imran Khan, who has supported the blacklisted construction workers since presenting an IPCC complaint about the police collusion in blacklisting back in 2012. Imran Khan is also representing Doreen Lawrence in the Pitchford Inquiry. 

Dave Smith, BSG secretary and co-author of the book 'Blacklisted' that exposes the blacklisting conspiracy commented:
'There are secret political police units in the UK that spy on anyone they consider to be a "domestic extremist". In reality, that means trade unions, environmental activists, anti-racist campaigns and even the families of murder victims who dare to criticise the police, all of which are perfectly legal within a democratic society. The Pitchford inquiry must investigate why the police have been spying on trade unions and why they have been exchanging information with multinational companies. Any pressure put on by politicians and trade unions is extremely welcome. BSG applaud the EDM and call on all MPs concerned about human rights to sign it.' 

Imran Khan commented:
'It is extremely sad to note that it often takes many years, grave injustices and tenacious individuals to uncover discreditable conduct in society. Those involved in the BSG have been bearing the brunt of severe injustices for a long time. Their hardship in doing so has not diminished their tenacity in seeking to throw light on this most murky of worlds. The Public Inquiry to be chaired by Lord Justice Pitchford will give the BSG the opportunity to not only uncover what happened to them but also ensure that the general public finally hears what went on and that the conduct complained of never happens again.'

Proposed Terms of Reference for the Public Inquiry into Undercover policing from the Blacklist Support Group:
 
To inquire into and make recommendations as to the role, conduct and governance of the police service and her majesty’s Government in the establishment and deployment of undercover and covert operations, with specific regard to the Special Demonstration Squad, National Extremism Tactical Coordination Unit and any other similar units in the police and in particular, to consider: 
  • The surveillance of trade union activists and trade union supported campaigns;
  • The provision of information by the police, whether directly or indirectly, of information contained on databases they have access to, to businesses about prospective employees;
  • The collusion, specifically with the Economic League and the Consulting Association and any other similar organisations, in the blacklisting of trade union members;
  • The outsourcing of state surveillance operations to private contractors;
  • The level and degree of political oversight into the above operations;
  • The extent to which the police were assisted in the above operations by the security services;
  • The circumstances of, and the reasons for, the loss, destruction and /or unavailability of documentation with regard to the matters above.
The Inquiry will also consider how to fulfill the objectives set out in these Terms of Reference by considering, in particular, the:
  • Extent and degree of protection from prosecution, under the Official Secrets Act or any other relevant legislation, of any witnesses giving information / evidence including whistleblowers;
  • Extent and degree to which the police's stated position of 'Neither Confirm Nor Deny' affects a transparent and thorough investigation into the matters set out above.' 

Steve Hedley, Assistant General Secretary RMT, who was blacklisted by the Consulting Association and targeted by undercover Special Demonstration Squad officer Mark Jenner commented:
'The police and big business has spied on me and other union activists for decades, for nothing more than standing up for rights of our fellow workers. The undercover cop Mark Jenner targeted me for a number of years in the late 1990s and even stayed at my mum's house! The sooner this anti-democratic scandal at the heart of the British state is exposed the better.' 
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Thursday, 22 November 2012

MP Simon Danczuk asks: What did government do?

Yesterday in Parliament:

Labour's Simon Danczuk asks why the government has been briefing against the children's commissioner's report on grooming, and if the files into Cyril Smith will be published.

Cameron says the children's commissioner's report is a very important one. On Smith, he says Greater Manchester police have reopened an investigation. Anyone with evidence should take it to the police.

12.24pm GMT Updated at 12.39pm GMT

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Monday, 2 April 2012

Blacklist Support Group in Parliament

Report of Blacklist Support Group (BSG) meeting was held in Parliament on Tues 27th March 2012 hosted by John McDonnell MP (start time was variable)

25 in attendance - Many apologies from far & wide

1. Public Inquiry
Following the article in The Observer exposing the collusion of the police and security services in the blacklisting operation, questions have been asked in the UK & Scottish Parliament.

John McDonnell MP has tabled an Early Day Motion calling for a Public Inquiry and has raised the issue of a Public Inquiry into blacklisting with David Cameron at Prime Minister's Question Time

John told the meeting that he will be pushing for an Adjournment Debate in the House of Commons sometime between Easter and the Summer break. This will potentially allow approx 30 - 60 mins full discussion on the floor of the Commons and is decided via a ballot of MPs

Meeting agreed:
1.1 Call upon the unions to circulate their sponsored MPs to sign up to the Early Day Motion and support the Adjournment Debate ballot
1.2 Blacklist Support Group members to contact their MPs on the same issue.
1.3.BSG to circulate a resolution to union branches / EC's calling for a Public Inquiry to be sent to union conferences and TUC.
1.4 For a lobby of parliament by blacklisted workers and supporters once the date of the Adjournment debate is known.

2. IPCC process
John McDonnell MP & Michael Meacher MP have both written parliamentary questions to Theresa May (Home Secretary) calling for a full Public Inquiry.
The written response has been that no public inquiry will be set up until the issue is at least initially raised with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). We have effectively been instructed to go to the IPCC by the Home Secretary.

John McDonnell and Kat Kraig (Christian Khan solicitors / Haldane Society) explained the process and the likely hoops we will need to jump through.
To get the maximum out of the IPCC process it is necessary to submit a comprehensive witness statement. We have solicitors who are willing to assist in this process. To do it properly, it will need some funding.

Meeting agreed:
2.1 Lodge a complaint collectively by bringing together individuals who have information on their files which looks like it was supplied by the police or security services.
2.2 Anyone who feels there is information on their files that could not have been supplied by a manager on a building site should contact the BSG so that we can bring together to lodge the IPCC complaint (this will normally relate to attendance at political meetings/protests at evening or weekend or any criminal records)
2.3 Request that the unions provide financial assistance for this process - including RMT

3. Employment Tribunals
Nick Toms, David Renton and Declan Owens (lawyers representing the vast majority of the blacklisted ET cases) gave an update of the latest ET cases. The vast majority of cases have lost - mainly thrown out at the Pre-Hearing Review stage because theye were submitted "out of time". 2 cases (Nolan and Cullinaine) have been to the EAT but neither of these cases have progressed to full merits hearing.

Of the many ET claims initially taken only 3 cases have been successful - Willis, Tattersall and Acheson (all represented by Nick Toms supported by UNITE) with "Aggravated Damages" being awarded because of the use of the blacklist.

The Steve Acheson and Tony Jones cases from Manchester ET last week were both reserved judgements and we await the decision. The history of decisions from Judge Brain in Manchester has never been positive to date.

Dave Smith written ET judgement arrived that day and was circulated - David Renton explained that the judgement is very useful and allows for an appeal to the EAT and the European Court of Human Rights (now being prepared but will take time and cost money).

UNITE have stated that they have won an ET claim under the new Blacklisting Regs

There are a tiny handful of ET claims still "live" in the system including Roy Bentham (UCATT member from Liverpool). Roy is representing himself.

Meeting agreed:
3.1 Ask the unions to revisit their attitude to all the live ET claims with the hope that they will support the small number of claims still running (even if they lose, they may generate a few more ECHR cases)
3.2 Circulate the latest ET judgements

4. UNITE Data Protection claim
UNITE are advertising on their website for blacklisted members to contact the union who are intending to take individual stand alone data-protection claims. At least one claim has so far been lodged.

Meeting agreed:
4.1 Encourage UNITE members to contact the union.

5. Scottish Parliament
Phil Chamberlain explained that Drew Smith MSP (Labour Shadow Justice Secretary) has raised the issue of a public Inquiry in the Scottish parliament with similar non-committal responses from the Holyrood government.

Meeting agreed:
5.1 Anyone from Scotland or with Scottish connections (relatives or freinds) should contact their MSP

6. Europe
Glenis Wilmott MEP (Labour Leader in Europe) and Stephen Hughes MEP have managed to get an anti-blacklisting amendment inserted into a Report on Health & Safety which has been passed at the European parliament. The amendment is based upon information suggested by Professor Keith Ewing

Meeting agreed:
6.1 Pass on sincere thanks for work being done in Europe.

7. High Court claim
John Townsend and Liam Dunne from Guney Clark & Ryan solicitors held a private session with their clients to update them about progress in the High Court claim.

Meeting agreed:
7.1 To encourage blacklisted workers to contact GCR direct to discuss the case
7.2 BSG will provide updates when appropriate

8. AOB.
Lawyers to draw up a list of methods by which individuals may be able to access unredacted files. Once complied this will be circulated.
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Thursday, 22 March 2012

Dave Cameron replies to John McDonnell MP

From Hansard 21 Mar 2012 : Column 791

John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): The Information Commissioner has confirmed that some of the information used by the Consulting Association to blacklist trade unionists could only have come from the police or the Security Service. When 3,000 people, mostly celebrities, had their telephones hacked, the Government set up an inquiry under Leveson. When 3,200 trade unionists have been blacklisted, and many have lost their livelihoods, the Home Secretary simply suggests that they go to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. Why is there one route to justice for celebrities, and another for working people?
The Prime Minister: There is one law that has to cover everybody in this land, and if there is any accusation of wrongdoing, that is something that the police, who are completely independent of the Government, can investigate. That is what should happen. I say that on the hon. Gentleman’s behalf, but he could do something on everyone else’s behalf. He runs the Right to Work campaign, which is stopping young people getting work experience places. If he cares about opportunities for young people, he will give up that left-wing organisation.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/cmhansrd/cm120321/debtext/120321-0001.htm#12032154000003

The Blacklist Support Group wish to publicly express our gratitude to John McDonnell MP for raising the issue of blacklisting on the floor of the House of Commons. He has been a stalwart in the blacklisting campaign and a champion of working people fighting for social justice.
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Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Letter to the Home Secretary

See below text of letter sent by John McDonnell MP to the Home Secretary earlier today:

Dear Home Secretary,

You will be aware of the article in the Observer on Sunday concerning the involvement of the Police and Security Services in the compilation of a blacklist of workers by the Consulting Association used to deny these workers access to employment.

The operation of the blacklist is contrary to law and morally reprehensible but to also discover that the Police and Security Services have been involved in the blacklisting process is extremely worrying and a matter of considerable public interest.

I am writing therefore to ask whether you are intending to make a statement to the House on this important issue.

I am also writing to urge you to establish an independent public inquiry into the operation of blacklisting in this country given that over 3200 workers were found to have been blacklisted and given the severe effect this has had on their lives.

I would welcome a prompt response to these questions.

Yours,

John McDonnell MP
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