[ssf] a letter to the cops

[Chris Malins]

I think that the Al McKayda gag is especially poor.

atw wrote:
> See below a letter which Trident Ploughshares got inviting them to a
> protest at the Labour Party Conference next year and a suggested
> reply.
> 
> 
> OPERATION PALISADE 2006
> 
> Please address all correspondence to: Superintendent C Tattum. Public
> Order Commander, Lancashire Constabulary HQ, Conference Planning
> Hutton Hall, Preston, PR4 5 SB. For the attention of: PS Steve
> McQuillan.
> 
> Telephone: 01772410537        Fax: 01772410542 YourRefSMLPC06 Our Ref:
> 
> 5 December, 2005
> 
> Trident Ploughshares 42-46 Bethel Street Norwich NR21NR Dear Sir/Madam
> 
> LABOUR PARTY SPRING CONFERENCE 2006
> 
> You may be aware that next years Labour Party Spring Conference will
> be held in Blackpool from Friday 10th to Sunday12th February and as
> such preparations for a large scale policing operation are well
> underway.
> 
> In common with previous years it is anticipated that a large number of
> organisations will take this opportunity to voice heir opinions
> through marches/ demonstrations during the conference .It is proposed
> that marches will be afforded priority on the morning of Saturday 11th
> February. Lancashire Constabulary is keen to facilitate lawful protest
> and ensure the minimum disruption to the residents of Blackpool and
> the delegates attending Conference.
> 
> I have responsibility for policing the marches and protests throughout
> the duration of the Conference and I am keen to ensure that events
> pass off without incident. In order to do this I would welcome the
> opportunity to meet with you at a mutually convenient time to discuss
> arrangements and answer any questions you wish to ask. I am sure you
> agree when I say that the sooner we enter into discussion the better.
> 
> I would be grateful if you could contact PS Steve McQuillan who is
> dealing with this matter on my behalf. You can reach him at the above
> address or alternatively e-mail him if you prefer.
> 
> I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you in advance for
> your cooperation in this matter.
> 
> Yours Sincerely Superintendent Clive Tattum Public Order Commander
> E-mail: stephen.mcquillan at lancashire.pnn.police.uk
> 
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> 
> Dear Superintendent Tattum
> 
> Labour Party Spring Conference 2006
> 
> 
> Thank you for the unexpected invitation to take part in a
> demonstration at the above conference.
> 
> We are at this stage not sure whether we will accept the invitation or
> not. Our activities do not easily fall into neat patterns of protest
> acceptable to the authorities, and, as the artist Banksy has put it,
> it is often easier to ask for forgiveness afterward rather than
> permission beforehand. Actually, in our case, we don't often get the
> forgiveness either.
> 
> Real protest, like real sex, is very difficult to do to a timetable,
> and, also like sex, very difficult to do satisfactorily in an approved
> zone, under the watchful eye of the police. We like the hike of
> spontaneity and doing it where and when we want, but at the same time
> doing everything we can to avoid frightening the horses.
> 
> Trouble is, that conference hall will contain some real dubious
> hombres who are wanted round the world for crimes against humanity. I
> mention in passing the terrorist suspect from Airdrie, John Reid, who
> is believed to have strong links to Al McKayda. That makes the whole
> scene a very sensitive area indeed.
> 
> But maybe you can help us make up our minds. Would you be able to
> facilitate access to the Blackpool Tower?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>