Climate Camp Scotland

[bellyscratch]

http://climatecampscotland.org.uk/

Just got back from this, and it was a bit different to what I was expecting from hearing about previous camps. This was mainly due to the mostly friendly policing of the camp, which were also in lower numbers. There were still incidents with people getting stopped and some arrests today, but it was quite peaceful. The other thing that seemed to make a difference that it was on the existing Mainshill Solidarity Camp, and therefore had to be able to work alongside local residents on certain issues which proved to be problematic with certain actions which they did not like.

Anyway, this article is pretty good if anyone wants to read about the camp in a bit more detail
http://www.sundayherald.com/news/heraldnews/display.var.2524596.0.a_climate_of_fear.php

Also check these 2 links for more news articles
http://news.google.com/news?q=climate%20camp%20scotland&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wn
http://news.google.com/news?q=mainshill&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wn


I had a good time, but im so exhausted after 8 nights camping in the middle of a field, eating too much vegan food and getting bitten my loads of midges

[OneNamedNameLess]

I had a good time, but im so exhausted after 8 nights camping in the middle of a field, eating too much vegan food and getting bitten my loads of midges

My face and everything is covered :crying: I must have roughly twenty bites on my face and neck.

I think it's also worth mentioning that the support from the locals was fantastic. Perhaps the local support has made the police reluctant to act? Plus, I overheard loads of folk on the buses and in Lanark ***** about the police presence especially photographing commuters coming off of trains.

[Coggeh]

Who sabotaged the mine, and why ? or did it just break on its own ... :mellow:

[bellyscratch]

Who sabotaged the mine, and why ? or did it just break on its own ... :mellow:

It was an autonomous group that took it upon themselves to sabotage a conveyor belt, so they could disrupt Scottish Coal's mining process and cost them money.

This Climate Camp was on the existing Mainshill Solidarity Camp, which is supported by like 95% of the local people who do not want any more open cast coal mines in their local area as they have like 3 there already and it has had huge health impacts on alot of them on top of the environmental impacts of these mines.

This sabotage pissed off a few local people as they saw it as wreckless behaviour and because there is so much local support, which is invaluable to the cause, tactics were swiftly changed to please them ie not wrecking shit.

[bellyscratch]

Coalmine activists charged after confrontation with Labour councillor

Three men involved in the occupation of the opencast coalmine in Scotland have been charged with breach of the peace

More of the story here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/aug/11/climate-activists-charged

This happened on a few hours before I left yesterday...

[nuisance]

This sabotage pissed off a few local people as they saw it as wreckless behaviour and because there is so much local support, which is invaluable to the cause, tactics were swiftly changed to please them ie not wrecking shit.
This is exactly the direction CC shouldn't take. Actions should be justified, yes however dropping autonomous action takes CC even further down the middle class liberal hellhole in which it's sliding. The mine saboed effects the planet, not just the locals. Plus, what's the point in having decent support if you're going to do nothing with it, and having it actually hinders attacking the problems- this is exactly what happened with the Stop the War Coalition.

[bellyscratch]

This is exactly the direction CC shouldn't take.

I would agree with you on other camps, but like I said before, it was on the existing Mainshill camp, which is working closely with local people. There were other actions taken, and yesterday that did cause 3 people to get arrested if you see my last post. This was actually on an action that local people encouraged too. I forgot to mention before also, that the wrecking of the conveyor belt caused loads of lorries to instead carry coal through the local village to get it transported, so that pissed of locals more...

[nuisance]

I would agree with you on other camps, but like I said before, it was on the existing Mainshill camp, which is working closely with local people. There were other actions taken, and yesterday that did cause 3 people to get arrested if you see my last post. This was actually on an action that local people encouraged too. I forgot to mention before also, that the wrecking of the conveyor belt caused loads of lorries to instead carry coal through the local village to get it transported, so that pissed of locals more...
Yes, it appears that it wasn't a well thought out action, but this being the reason for stopping such actions for the camp altogether is pointless. So, what did the CC in Scotland bring to the site, that wasn't already there due to the pre-existing mine and local support- other than numbers? I was under the impression that CC was designed to be a enviromentally focused direct action training camp for people attending to share, learn and participate in action and then taking back thier lessons back home and continuing with their local group- not a travelling media circus.

[bellyscratch]

Yes, it appears that it wasn't a well thought out action, but this being the reason for stopping such actions for the camp altogether is pointless. So, what did the CC in Scotland bring to the site, that wasn't already there due to the pre-existing mine and local support- other than numbers? I was under the impression that CC was designed to be a enviromentally focused direct action training camp for people attending to share, learn and participate in action and then taking back thier lessons back home and continuing with their local group- not a travelling media circus.

Well it was a direct action training camp, as there were lots of workshops and discussions training people to do actions and educate them on related subjects.

And there were other actions that took place too like banner drops, street theatre in one of the local towns, visiting local councillors to interrogate them at their front door (which got 3 people arrested), going to the Lord's house (whose land we were illegally occupying an action in itself) for a sort of protest which invloved playing wheelbarrow races in his garden etc.

It also got quite a bit of media attention from national and regional press and radio, which the existing site would not of got otherwise.

[nuisance]

Well it was a direct action training camp, as there were lots of workshops and discussions training people to do actions and educate them on related subjects.

And there were other actions that took place too like banner drops, street theatre in one of the local towns, visiting local councillors to interrogate them at their front door (which got 3 people arrested), going to the Lord's house (whose land we were illegally occupying an action in itself) for a sort of protest which invloved playing wheelbarrow races in his garden etc.

It also got quite a bit of media attention from national and regional press and radio, which the existing site would not of got otherwise.
Banner drops and street theatre is not direct action. A direct action is an act which gets something done without deferring your own power- i.e. wildcat strikes, shutting something down for the day- it is not doing something to get the attention of those representatives to do something for us, like many greenies seem to have a passion for- like the glueing themselves into a building or whatever while not actually even demobilising it. For me the green movement, with thier civil disobience and stuntism is making a mockery of actual direct action that gets something done. That and street theatre is fucking embarassing.

[bellyscratch]

Banner drops and street theatre is not direct action. A direct action is an act which gets something done without deferring your own power- i.e. wildcat strikes, shutting something down for the day- it is not doing something to get the attention of those representatives to do something for us, like many greenies seem to have a passion for- like the glueing themselves into a building or whatever while not actually even demobilising it. For me the green movement, with thier civil disobience and stuntism is making a mockery of actual direct action that gets something done. That and street theatre is fucking embarassing.

I never called them 'direct' actions, just actions. They were basically just done to help support the bigger important action of occupying the site where the open cast mine is supposed to be dug. The more the locals support this action, and come visit the site, give supplies, money, physical help and research into various related legal and political issues, the better for the whole campaign in my opinion. And if for now it would be better to calm things down a bit, then thats the best thing to do in the situation. These people have spent years campaigning against these mines, so you can understand why they might be a bit wary of people going around trashing things.

Also, at the street theatre they did end up throwing coal at a local councillor, so is that direct action? :P

This is the only Climate Camp I've been to, so I can't tell you how they have been from personal experience, but from other people that I spoke to, this camp was not representative of other camps, which have done a lot more direct action.

[nuisance]

I never called them 'direct' actions, just actions.
Sorry, that was a honest mistake.


They were basically just done to help support the bigger important action of occupying the site where the open cast mine is supposed to be dug.
How did it help? I reckon it would have been more productive to go all out and have a field day with the camp and holding meetings on how direct action would help sustain the struggle against the mine and give an injection of enthusiasm.


The more the locals support this action, and come visit the site, give supplies, money, physical help and research into various related legal and political issues, the better for the whole campaign in my opinion. And if for now it would be better to calm things down a bit, then thats the best thing to do in the situation. These people have spent years campaigning against these mines, so you can understand why they might be a bit wary of people going around trashing things.
Support needs to be backed by action- to bring up my example again, the StWC held the biggest marchers and what did that do?
You mention how they've been campaigning for years, fair play, but why not add something to the mix? Squatting a plot of land sure ain't much fun and if you have support from locals then action can be bigger, better and with a higher occurance. In other words, escalate the struggle. We're attacked, fight back. The coal mine will effect us all, not just the local population, it's up to all and because someone lives in a certain area doesn't mean they have the right to veto an action that will only affect the target.


Also, at the street theatre they did end up throwing coal at a local councillor, so is that direct action? :P
No, but I bet it made it a fuck load more interesting! :biggrin:


This is the only Climate Camp I've been to, so I can't tell you how they have been from personal experience, but from other people that I spoke to, this camp was not representative of other camps, which have done a lot more direct action.
I'm not meaning to be overly critical for the no reason, this is just tactics and my opinions on CC taking things in a different direction. I've been to a few meetings and helped them with a gathering, though not a camp, but it does seem dominated by liberals claiming to be anarchists (meaning arguing for reforms through CC)- though there are some solid people involved. Infact people want to play done the anti-capitalist message by CC which it was founded on, because they don't want to alienate people. Great.

[OneNamedNameLess]

Infact people want to play done the anti-capitalist message by CC which it was founded on, because they don't want to alienate people. Great.

Is that sarcasm? You did not attend this CC remember. The impact of capitalism on the planet was not 'played down' at this camp. There was workshops on the subject and anti-capitalist banners and graffiti which promoted the camp's anti-capitalist stance. One workshop which I planned to attend, but couldn't as I was stopped by the police, focused on climate change and anti-capitalism.

For the record, the locals leading the campaign were pissed off about the destruction of the belt. They stated that such actions would deter many locals from continuing with the campaign. The camp could be evicted at any moment and with a huge drop in local support then what?

[nuisance]

Is that sarcasm? You did not attend this CC remember. The impact of capitalism on the planet was not 'played down' at this camp. There was workshops on the subject and anti-capitalist banners and graffiti which promoted the camp's anti-capitalist stance. One workshop which I planned to attend, but couldn't as I was stopped by the police, focused on climate change and anti-capitalism.
I was referring to an organising meeting that raised the question and had a discussion about whether CC should publically proclaim themselves as anti-capitalists- basically the anarchist variety because that is what the majority of organisers suscribe to. This didn't reach consenus, the reason being not to alienate people. So, no I'm not being sarcastic, thanks.


For the record, the locals leading the campaign were pissed off about the destruction of the belt. They stated that such actions would deter many locals from continuing with the campaign. The camp could be evicted at any moment and with a huge drop in local support then what?
Bollocks to it I say. Perhaps if the locals and other participants were more open to a variation of direct matters they wouldn't have been squatting abit of land for three years and get on with something else. The point is to stop the coal mine, not pander to some people who may object to various actions. It is understandable, in this instance, why the action wasn't favourable- it sounds like it went tits up, however it is certaintly not a reason to stop- try, try and try again and all that. Plus, is the local support really that huge if a attempted sabotage (of something they appartently really don't want) upset them so much? Or was it just that it went wrong and other efforts would be welcomed?

[OneNamedNameLess]

I was referring to an organising meeting that raised the question and had a discussion about whether CC should publically proclaim themselves as anti-capitalists- basically the anarchist variety because that is what the majority of organisers suscribe to. This didn't reach consenus, the reason being not to alienate people. So, no I'm not being sarcastic, thanks.


Bollocks to it I say. Perhaps if the locals and other participants were more open to a variation of direct matters they wouldn't have been squatting abit of land for three years and get on with something else. The point is to stop the coal mine, not pander to some people who may object to various actions. It is understandable, in this instance, why the action wasn't favourable- it sounds like it went tits up, however it is certaintly not a reason to stop- try, try and try again and all that. Plus, is the local support really that huge if a attempted sabotage (of something they appartently really don't want) upset them so much? Or was it just that it went wrong and other efforts would be welcomed?

It did in a way go wrong.

We were told that it does not stop the coal being transported and extracted therefore there is no point. They believe sabotage is counter productive and will hinder the campaign. What is the point really? Security will only be stepped up and a load of negative press articles will emerge. Other peaceful methods are what was agreed upon. If they fail then other tactics must be employed.

[nuisance]

It did in a way go wrong.

We were told that it does not stop the coal being transported and extracted therefore there is no point. They believe sabotage is counter productive and will hinder the campaign. What is the point really? Security will only be stepped up and a load of negative press articles will emerge. Other peaceful methods are what was agreed upon. If they fail then other tactics must be employed.
The saboteurs should have listened then, live and learn yes, but no reason to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
So what if they raise security? Is it not a sign that you are actually worrying them? Anyway, the security going up is most likely going to happen when the company decides to put an end to the camp- this a tactic Tesco uses all around the country- moves in despite local dissent and a place like Tesco relies alot more on the local residents (consumers) than the likes of a coal mine.
Anyway, if alot of the information is right and there isn't much longer to reverse climate change, then isn't it time we turned it up?
Negative press is also not something to deter, afterall this is a social problem, esstentially part of the class struggle, they are tools of the ruling class. So for revolutionaries to accept watered down decisions without doing anything is absurd. We want their whole system to fucking go down, not just shut down a potenial mine. Our strength is to disrupt the status quo helping create communities to resist and go on the offensive using all the tools at hand, not pander and negoitate. We need to make more of an effort to link these struggles up and help inject some vigour into it.
Looking at it hypertheotically.