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#spycopsinquiry starting again - you can watch/listen via
First thing this morning , the Inquiry will be reading out summaries of the evidence of officers: HN2152; HN350 and HN308.
First thing this morning , the Inquiry will be reading out summaries of the evidence of officers: HN2152; HN350 and HN308.
ucpi.org.uk/individuals/hn…
Richard Reeves Scullly joined Special Branch in 1968, doesn't remember exactly when he was in SDS but it's thought to have been around 1977.
#spycops
Richard Reeves Scullly joined Special Branch in 1968, doesn't remember exactly when he was in SDS but it's thought to have been around 1977.
#spycops
He worked in the back office processing reports – sometimes making corrections but not filtering the info. He didn't decide which reports were forwarded or who the intelligence went to.
#spycopsinquiry is about to start again for Day 7 of this round of hearings - you can watch from 10:10 onwards at
#Spycops
#Spycops
We began with a summary of HN2401's evidence being read by a member of the @ucpinquiry staff, Elizabeth Campbell.
This officer's name is Anthony Greenslade.
He joined the police in the mid 50s, and Special Branch in 1960.
This officer's name is Anthony Greenslade.
He joined the police in the mid 50s, and Special Branch in 1960.
@ucpinquiry He worked at Britain's seaports, and after a spell in Anguilla, returned to London in 1970 to work in a section that was concerned with Black Power for around a year.
Day 5 of this round of evidential hearings is due to start at 10am - you can watch the first part of the proceedings - from 10:10am onwards - at
#spycopsinquiry
#spycops
#spycopsinquiry
#spycops
First we'll see and hear from Elizabeth Leicester, who was part of the Workers Revolutionary Party (WRP) - originally known as the Socialist Labour League (SLL).
#spycops
#spycops
Following her, for the rest of the day, is the first police witness of this round: HN218, Barry Moss.
He doesn't want to appear on-screen, so those watching on youtube will not be able to see him...
He doesn't want to appear on-screen, so those watching on youtube will not be able to see him...
Only a quarter way through reading judgment in @fruitbatmania's pioneering case in the Investigatory Powers Tribunal on human rights abuses by #spycops. and already a devastating indictment of the police operation right up to senior management. A truly immense victory.
Summary from the Tribunal itself:"Our findings that the authorisations under RIPA were fatally flawed and the undercover operation could not be justified as ‘necessary in a democratic society’... reveal disturbing and lamentable failings at the most fundamental levels." #spycops
More from IPT: "Our conclusions on training are as follows... As a result, male UCOs, though aware of the formal prohibition [on sexual relationships], appear to have regarded it as a minor matter and one which they did not have to take too seriously...
The #spycopsinquiry is starting again
this afternoon's moving transcript will appear on in about ten minutes....
#spycops
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this afternoon's moving transcript will appear on in about ten minutes....
#spycops
(1)
Why did HN96 believe that the SWP were 'the most disruptive, from a public order perspective, that were currently active'?
(as he says in his witness statement)
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(as he says in his witness statement)
(2)
Was this borne out by his experience of them at demos?
His statement only refers to a few “scuffles” with the police and violent exchanges with the far-right.
(3)
His statement only refers to a few “scuffles” with the police and violent exchanges with the far-right.
(3)
This afternoon's session is starting now. A moving transcript will be shown – with a ten minute delay – on
#spycopsinquiry
#spycops
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#spycopsinquiry
#spycops
(1)
In the meantime you can watch reactions to this morning's evidence – from HN126 (cover name 'Paul Gray') at facebook.com/514251120/vide…
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You can read the witness statement of HN126: ucpi.org.uk/publications/f…
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Today, the #SpycopsInquiry is due to hear summaries of two officers' deployments HN80 & HN106, introduce some documents associated with HN356, and then hear evidence from HN126...
The Inquiry will be streaming a moving transcript on Youtube:
The Inquiry will be streaming a moving transcript on Youtube:
If you're based in England or Wales, and would like to hear an audio-stream featuring the officer's voice, you'll need to register on the @ucpinquiry website for access via a Zoom webinar.
There is a ten-minute delay on all of these options – and on our tweeting/ reporting.
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There is a ten-minute delay on all of these options – and on our tweeting/ reporting.
(2)
@ucpinquiry First today we will hear a summary of HN80.
You can read more about 'Colin Clark' on pages 215 – 224
of the CTI opening statement
ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
(3)
You can read more about 'Colin Clark' on pages 215 – 224
of the CTI opening statement
ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
(3)
Today, the #SpycopsInquiry is due to hear from HN354, who used the name 'Vince Miller' to infiltrate the Socialist Workers Party from 1976-1979.
Read more about him at powerbase.info/index.php/Vinc…
@UndercoverNet
#SpyCops
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Read more about him at powerbase.info/index.php/Vinc…
@UndercoverNet
#SpyCops
(1)
@UndercoverNet The documents being referred to should be uploaded so you can read them for yourself:
ucpi.org.uk/hearing/eviden…
ucpi.org.uk/hearing/eviden…
Having heard from Richard Chessum, a 'non State core participant' (ie someone who was spied on), the #SpyCopsInquiry is due to hear from another former undercover officer, 'HN200', this afternoon.
This is being streamed on youtube, with a ten-minute delay:
This is being streamed on youtube, with a ten-minute delay:
This means you'll be able to see it (and our tweets about it) from about 15:15 onwards.
In the meantime, you can read a summary of HN200's deployment on pages 171-174 of the Counsel to the Inquiry's opening statement: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
#spycops
In the meantime, you can read a summary of HN200's deployment on pages 171-174 of the Counsel to the Inquiry's opening statement: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
#spycops
He used the cover name 'Roger Harris' to infiltrate the International Socialists (IS) – the Twickenham branch – and also reported on the Troops Out Movement (TOM).
He was deployed between April 1974 and October 1977.
He was deployed between April 1974 and October 1977.
This afternoon's #SpyCopsInquiry hearing will start just after 2pm.
If you'd like to see a moving transcript of what is said (10 mins after it's said) you can watch this on
#spycops
Or follow our and @tombfowler 's tweets...
If you'd like to see a moving transcript of what is said (10 mins after it's said) you can watch this on
#spycops
Or follow our and @tombfowler 's tweets...
@tombfowler David Barr (Counsel to the #SpycopsInquiry ) took us back to the Star & Garter hotel car-park.
HN298 – using the cover name 'Michael Scott' – was arrested at this demo, blocking the British Lions rugby team bus (they were about to head off on a tour of apartheid South Africa).
HN298 – using the cover name 'Michael Scott' – was arrested at this demo, blocking the British Lions rugby team bus (they were about to head off on a tour of apartheid South Africa).
@tombfowler HN298 claims to have been in the road at the time of his arrest. He has no recollection of his actions on the day, but says he “would have been going through the motions” (of participating in the direct action).
The #SpyCopsInquiry starts again this morning, hearing from Lord Peter Hain.
He was involved in campaigning against apartheid.
As his opening statement says:
#spycops
(1)
He was involved in campaigning against apartheid.
As his opening statement says:
#spycops
(1)
"From the 1960s onwards, the international movement against the Apartheid regime in South Africa was one of the world’s largest social movements. Abhorrence at the racist and murderous regime was shared by people aroundthe globe."
(2)
(2)
"They formed campaigns in support of those in South Africa who were struggling for change and people in Britain played a central rolein campaigning for, and eventually achieving,that change"
(3)
(3)
Day 7 of phase 2 of #SpyCopsInquiry.
Quick summary of evidence from #spycop “David Hughes”, who is not being called; 5mins on documents associated with #spycop “Ian Cameron”.
Two former anti-apartheid campaigners, Jonathan Rosenhead and Christabel Gurney, due to be called.
Quick summary of evidence from #spycop “David Hughes”, who is not being called; 5mins on documents associated with #spycop “Ian Cameron”.
Two former anti-apartheid campaigners, Jonathan Rosenhead and Christabel Gurney, due to be called.
“David Hughes” infiltrated International Marxist Group, Troops Out Movement and Anti-Internment League between 1971 and 1976.
He tells #SpyCopsInquiry in his witness statement: “I think that the inquiry is missing large numbers of my reports.”
He tells #SpyCopsInquiry in his witness statement: “I think that the inquiry is missing large numbers of my reports.”
The #SpyCopsInquiry is back today, hearing from witnesses talking about being targeted by #SpyCops in 1970s London; squatting movement activist Piers Corbyn & anti-apartheid activist Ernest Rodker. We will be live tweeting (as will @tombfowler). Today will also be live streamed
@tombfowler We are now watching Mitting's pre-recorded video, warning us all about the Restriction Orders that apply to this #SpyCopsInquiry
@tombfowler You can read Piers Corbyn's witness statement on the @ucpinquiry website: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
Day 6 of phase 2 of #SpyCopsInquiry.
Piers Corbyn, activist and brother of Jeremy Corbyn.
Ernest Rodker, anti-apartheid campaigner and one of several who may have been victim of miscarriage of justice over protest against British Lions rugby tour to South Africa in 1972.
Piers Corbyn, activist and brother of Jeremy Corbyn.
Ernest Rodker, anti-apartheid campaigner and one of several who may have been victim of miscarriage of justice over protest against British Lions rugby tour to South Africa in 1972.
Piers Corbyn, an activist since his student days, says in witness statement to #SpyCopsInquiry that it has disclosed 53 #spycops reports from 1971 to 1990 that mention his name.
But he believes that the reports “are only a fraction” of Special Branch and MI5 files on him.
But he believes that the reports “are only a fraction” of Special Branch and MI5 files on him.
Piers Corbyn tells #SpyCopsInquiry that he was a student at Imperial College from 1965, became a member of International Marxist Group in 1971 and was active in the squatting movement from about 1972.
At least eight #spycops reported on him between 1968 and 1983.
At least eight #spycops reported on him between 1968 and 1983.
The #spycopsinquiry is starting again - so we will be able to report on what's being said, again with a ten-minute delay, by 'HN45' (who used the cover name 'Dave Robertson') and then by 'HN347' ('Alex Sloan').
HN45's witness statement is now available: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
HN45's witness statement is now available: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
Dave Robertson – known as HN45 by the Herne Inquiry – was deployed undercover in 1971, but was 'compromised' and withdrawn in 1973.
Why did he not use the identity of a deceased child?
“I just didn't”. He said he wasn't aware of what other officers chose to do.
“I just didn't”. He said he wasn't aware of what other officers chose to do.
Day 5 of phase 2 of #SpyCopsInquiry. Today, two #spycops on the stand.
“David Robertson”, whose cover was blown, faces questions in partic over alleged threat to woman he feared would unmask him (see thread below).
And “Alex Sloan”, who also was rumbled.
“David Robertson”, whose cover was blown, faces questions in partic over alleged threat to woman he feared would unmask him (see thread below).
And “Alex Sloan”, who also was rumbled.
“HN45” tells #SpyCopsInquiry that he used cover name of “Dave Robertson” as a #spycop from 1970. “I was tasked to infiltrate Maoist groups.”
Hearing has suddenly stopped. But because journalists can only hear audio feed virtually, no idea why.
Another #SpyCopsInquiry mystery.
Hearing has suddenly stopped. But because journalists can only hear audio feed virtually, no idea why.
Another #SpyCopsInquiry mystery.
Hearing of #SpyCopsInquiry stopped in mid-flow as #spycop “Dave Robertson” was answering questions.
I understand that hearing was “paused“ while inquiry investigates what it calls a potential breach of a restriction order.
Does not seem to be an issue with Qs or As. #spycops
I understand that hearing was “paused“ while inquiry investigates what it calls a potential breach of a restriction order.
Does not seem to be an issue with Qs or As. #spycops
Day 4 of phase 2 of #SpyCopsInquiry, due to start at 12 noon.
I am keeping an eye on the hearings and will tweet some key points, but am not covering comprehensively.
Today, two activists targetted by #spycops due to be called: Diane Langford and Norman Temple.
I am keeping an eye on the hearings and will tweet some key points, but am not covering comprehensively.
Today, two activists targetted by #spycops due to be called: Diane Langford and Norman Temple.
Diane Langford describes #spycop “Dave Robertson” in witness statement to #SpyCopsInqujiry: “I quite liked him. He was very ingratiating and bluff….
“He’d regularly buy us rounds in the pub and generally tried to be obliging.”
“He’d regularly buy us rounds in the pub and generally tried to be obliging.”
“Dave Roberston” infiltrated the Britain Vietnam Solidarity Front, but the group had suspicions about him, Diane Langford tells #SpyCopsInquiry.
He made “inconsistent comments about his employment”.
“His lack of involvement at meetings had already raised eyebrows.”
He made “inconsistent comments about his employment”.
“His lack of involvement at meetings had already raised eyebrows.”
Second phase of #SpyCopsInquiry hearings, covering 1972 to 1982, due to begin this morning at 10am.
Eight former #spycops set to testify in this phase.
Meanwhile, third phase of hearings, when #spycops managers are due to be called, DELAYED from October to first half of 2022.
Eight former #spycops set to testify in this phase.
Meanwhile, third phase of hearings, when #spycops managers are due to be called, DELAYED from October to first half of 2022.
David Barr, counsel to #SpyCopsInquiry, says that evidence to be heard in this phase of hearings will require inquiry chairman to consider whether there are grounds to believe that activities of #spycops led to specific miscarriages of justice.
Sir John Mitting, #SpyCopsInquiry chairman, plans to consider whether to make any referral of possible miscarriages of justice to a special panel to make determinations after this phase of hearings, David Barr says.
This afternoon at the #SpycopsInquiry
we hear more from 'Peter Fredericks', #spycops officer HN345....
Join @out_of_lives
over on youtube for their read-along with another special guest: youtube.com/channel/UC9vFz…
we hear more from 'Peter Fredericks', #spycops officer HN345....
Join @out_of_lives
over on youtube for their read-along with another special guest: youtube.com/channel/UC9vFz…
@out_of_lives In regard to the Black Power activists
HN345 says he never witnessed any violence, or public disorder. He has no memory of the group committing criminal offences.
HN345 says he never witnessed any violence, or public disorder. He has no memory of the group committing criminal offences.
@out_of_lives Did they encourage disorder?
HN345 said this was “difficult to answer”, and seemed unable to give a coherent reply.
HN345 said this was “difficult to answer”, and seemed unable to give a coherent reply.
Day 12 of #SpyCopsInquiry – fireworks expected: Dave Smith, of Blacklist Support Group, due to give his belated opening statement on what was due to be a non-sitting day.
Then lawyers for non-core participants to make an application on the scope of questioning for witnesses.
Then lawyers for non-core participants to make an application on the scope of questioning for witnesses.
Dave Smith tells #SpyCopsInquiry that Blacklist Support Group represents union members who were blacklisted by construction companies. “When we first spoke about being blacklisted for our union activities we were ignored by the authorities and ridiculed as conspiracy theorists.”
Dave Smith in opening statement to #SpyCopsInquiry: “But blacklisting is not a conspiracy theory. It is a real life conspiracy: secretly organised by multinational construction firms with the collusion of the police and the security services.”
The #SpycopsInquiry will be starting again soon.
This afternoon we are due to hear from 'HN340' - who infiltrated various groups - including the International Marxist Group (IMG), North London Red Circle & Irish Solidarity Campaign.
This afternoon we are due to hear from 'HN340' - who infiltrated various groups - including the International Marxist Group (IMG), North London Red Circle & Irish Solidarity Campaign.
He was deployed between 1969-72, and is now known to have used the cover names 'Alan Bailey' & 'Alan Nixon'.
More about him: powerbase.info/index.php/Alan…
More about him: powerbase.info/index.php/Alan…
Ms Hummerstone is asking the questions from the @ucpinquiry today.
She will be referring to this afternoon's witness as 'HN340' but understands that he used the cover name 'Andy Bailey' [nb: not Alan]
She will be referring to this afternoon's witness as 'HN340' but understands that he used the cover name 'Andy Bailey' [nb: not Alan]
Day 11 of #SpyCopsInquiry: two #spycops who operated in 1969-72 due to be called – “Dick Epps” and “Alan Nixon”/”Alan Bailey”.
Summary of evidence from third #spycop in 1968-69, whose cover name (as well as real name) is being kept secret, due to be read out by inquiry lawyer.
Summary of evidence from third #spycop in 1968-69, whose cover name (as well as real name) is being kept secret, due to be read out by inquiry lawyer.
“Dick Epps” in his statement to #SpyCopsInquiry on Conrad Dixon, who set up and headed Met’s SDS, its initial #spycop unit. “Conrad was a clever man, but also an ambitious and devious man. He saw an opportunity for himself as well as an opportunity to create something useful.”
As a Special Branch officer but before becoming a #spycop, “Dick Epps” was deployed to US embassy at time of the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations.
He says in statement: “The Americans had set up a machine gun inside the lobby of the building, ready to defend it if necessary.”
He says in statement: “The Americans had set up a machine gun inside the lobby of the building, ready to defend it if necessary.”
We are starting the #spycops inquiry again - Day 10 of these hearings - and Mitting is setting out the schedule for today
Ms Monahan is reading out a short summary about one of the #spycops HN330, who used the cover name 'Don de Freitas'
You can read more about him on pages 105-107 of Appendix 2 ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
You can read more about him on pages 105-107 of Appendix 2 ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
Now she is reading a summary about HN321, who used the cover name 'Bill Lewis' - you can read more about him on pages 108-111 of the same document. He was part of the first #spycops unit, for just one year, from Sept 1968-1969
Day 10 of #spycops inquiry: two #spycops due to be called, first from management/back office, second used cover name, “Douglas Edwards”.
Summaries of evidence from three further #spycops – including “Don De Freitas” and “William Paul Lewis” – to be read out by inquiry lawyer.
Summaries of evidence from three further #spycops – including “Don De Freitas” and “William Paul Lewis” – to be read out by inquiry lawyer.
Summary of statement by #spycop “Don De Freitas” read to inquiry: he was in SDS during 1968. He worked elsewhere in Special Branch before + after his brief time in SDS.
He targeted Vietnam Solidarity Campaign, and posed as boyfriend of “Margaret White”:
He targeted Vietnam Solidarity Campaign, and posed as boyfriend of “Margaret White”:
