Month: March 2021

news, Police

Return to Protest as Normal for Fourth Kill The Bill Protest

The end of emergency coronavirus restrictions on protest saw Avon & Somerset police return to their established hands-off approach to policing as the fourth Kill the Bill protest took place on Tuesday evening. A&S police have built a reputation for loose protest policing tactics over the last few years, especially around Extinction Rebellion protests and last year’s Black Lives Matter protests, where police commander Andy … Continue reading Return to Protest as Normal for Fourth Kill The Bill Protest

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Feature, Interviews and Analysis, Trees

A Tree Climber’s Guide to the End of the World

Climbing trees. For many this is a childhood memory more than a present-day concern. And yet, for some, climbing trees is a life-long pursuit that offers an insight into the complexities of the human condition.  This, at least, is what I found when I accompanied a group of climbers young and old on International Tree Climbing Day 2021 at Ashton Court.  Tree climbing connects us … Continue reading A Tree Climber’s Guide to the End of the World

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March, news, Top Story

Peaceful Kill The Bill Protest Sends Message to Bristol

Over 1000 people marched through central Bristol on Friday afternoon to protest against the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Bill, which would give police increased powers to crack down on protest.  The march follows two previous Kill The Bill protests in the last week which have ended in confrontations between protesters and police and accusations from protesters of police brutality.  Friday’s march remained peaceful … Continue reading Peaceful Kill The Bill Protest Sends Message to Bristol

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Culture Jam, news, Occupation, Top Story

Hostile Treatment From Police in Second Night of Unrest

Violence was brought to the streets of Bristol again on Tuesday 23rd March as police used force to dismantle a peaceful encampment on College Green. The camp, which was part of the wider Kill the Bill protests against the Police, Crimes, Sentencing and Courts Bill, had been intended to raise awareness about how the rights of Travellers would be curtailed by the Bill.  Protestors at … Continue reading Hostile Treatment From Police in Second Night of Unrest

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Banner Drop, Civil Disobedience, Feature, Interviews and Analysis

“We gotta stop this. It’s all wrong” – Bristol’s hidden role in the global arms trade

As the early sun rose into blue skies on the morning of January 22nd, well-known local activist Rowland Dye dropped a banner from the M32 footbridge, not far from his home in St Paul’s.  The banner drop was a protest against the nuclear weapons industry; the date marked the coming into effect of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This much the … Continue reading “We gotta stop this. It’s all wrong” – Bristol’s hidden role in the global arms trade

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Demonstration, news, Top Story

“I’m So Fucking Full of Rage!” Women Make Their Voices Heard on College Green

A demonstration gathered on College Green tonight, 20th March, to share rage at the murder of Sarah Everard and the ongoing state of violence against women.  Around 100 people gathered over the 45 minute event, which was not organized but emerged spontaneously, to take part in expressions of rage and anger by screaming together.   When asked why she was taking part, one demonstrator said ‘it’s … Continue reading “I’m So Fucking Full of Rage!” Women Make Their Voices Heard on College Green

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Community, news, Training/Learning

School of Activism 2.0 Coming to Bristol in April

The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft announces 15 days of “workshops to change the world” as part of its School of Activism 2.0 this April.  The School of Activism 2.0 will run from April 3rd to April 18th and will consist of workshops, events and activities led by experienced activists, artists and academics.  Lisa Furness, School of Activism coordinator said the event is ‘designed to … Continue reading School of Activism 2.0 Coming to Bristol in April

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Editorial, Interviews and Analysis

Editorial: Priti Patel is trying to Define Progressive Protest Out of Existence.

The Home Office, with energetic leadership from Priti Patel, is attempting to push the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill through parliament. Many fear the Bill will erode the right to protest and increase the possibility for excessive police force in protest policing.   The police violence exhibited at Saturday’s Clapham Common demonstration in memory of Sarah Everard makes clear that the possibility of such force … Continue reading Editorial: Priti Patel is trying to Define Progressive Protest Out of Existence.

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Community, news, Squat, Top Story

Plans for Community Space Scuppered by Squat Eviction

The squatting collective known as the PigeonshitCollective are being evicted from the disused bank on Gloucester Road where they have been working to establish a community centre. Bailiffs, supported by police, arrived early morning on Wednesday 10th to begin the eviction. As they closed in on the building, one occupant addressed onlookers ‘this is what you get when you try to take something back. We … Continue reading Plans for Community Space Scuppered by Squat Eviction

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Demonstration, news, Strike, Top Story, Training/Learning

COVID Sets Context for International Women’s Strike 2021.

Activists gathered on Queen Square on Monday to take part in this year’s International Women’s Strike.  The small group decorated the centre of the square with purple cloth, a symbolic colour for the International Women’s Strike, and hung information posters and banners.  One activist, Paula, said ‘we’re here with our message: when we stop, the world stops with us.’ The strike is about ‘raising awareness … Continue reading COVID Sets Context for International Women’s Strike 2021.

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