Even MPs came under the scrutiny of UK #spycops, says David Barr, counsel to undercover policing inquiry, in his opening statement in Day 1 of hearings today.
Some former #spycops continued to operate in the private sector, with at least one continuing to use exactly the same cover name, David Barr says in opening statement to undercover policing inquiry.
First witness in #spycops inquiry is due to be Tariq Ali on Wednesday next week, says David Barr.
He explains that #spycops began by targetting Vietnam Solidarity Campaign in 1968, and so Tariq Ali became one of their first targets.
He explains that #spycops began by targetting Vietnam Solidarity Campaign in 1968, and so Tariq Ali became one of their first targets.
Documents suggest “a close working relationship” between Special Demonstration Squad, the initial form of #spycops, and MI5 or Security Service, says David Barr.
“We are not investigating the Security Service, but it will be necessary to explore the relationship,” he adds.
“We are not investigating the Security Service, but it will be necessary to explore the relationship,” he adds.
“MPs giving their support to protest movements was potentially of interest to Special Branch,” a #spycop who operated in 1969-70 has told undercover policing inquiry in a witness statement, David Barr says in his lengthy opening.
Early #spycops also had some interest in what journalists were doing, according to David Barr, counsel to undercover policing inquiry.
His detailed opening statement, running to 189 pages, is here: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
His detailed opening statement, running to 189 pages, is here: ucpi.org.uk/wp-content/upl…
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