New report recommends public inquiry into policing of Barton Moss protest

Feb 23, 2016 | Protest, Reports

Researchers question violence and harassment against protesters and police’s role in seeking to undermine the legitimacy of the protest A new report on the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) operation at the Barton Moss Community Protection Camp in Salford from...

Ruling raises more questions about conduct of Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Aid Unit

Jan 26, 2016 | Comment, Protest, Rights

Crown Prosecution Service expected to drop further cases as a result of judge’s ruling on ‘slow walking’ protest at Barton Moss anti-fracking camp A District Court judge in Manchester has ruled that two protesters, John Wasilewski and David Cohen,...

Manchester protest panel report ‘a significant missed opportunity’

Oct 27, 2014 | Comment, Protest

The headlines said an independent investigation into the policing of anti-fracking protests at Barton Moss in Salford had “cleared officers of brutality”. Netpol looks more closely at the report. In March 2014, as a response to controversy over the policing operation...

Manchester trade unions call for urgent review of specialist public order unit

Aug 6, 2014 | Protest

The association representing trades councils across the Manchester metropolitan area has warned Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd of an erosion of the right to protest and calls for a review of the activities of Greater Manchester Police’s Tactical Aid Unit...

Police and fracking companies – in each other’s pockets?

Aug 5, 2014 | Protest

The release of ‘Memoranda of Understanding’ between drilling companies and the police in both Greater Manchester and Sussex raises more questions about the impartiality of policing operations targeting anti-fracking activists In February 2014, the Chief...