Curb Police powers

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jaws of victory. OVER 250 people attended a meeting in London last weekend, organised by the Hackney Black Alliance and the Campaign to Curb Police Powers. It was supported by many Labour Movement and Black organisations countrywide, with the purpose of organising a national campaign against the proposed police bill.

If the Tories get re-elected they will see the Police Bill as their main priority, telling the 'wets' who opposed clause 10 of the bill where to get off.

The morning session was billed 'Briefing on the Bill' Cecil Gutzmore from the Brixton Defence Campaign outlined the racist nature of the Police Bill, and pointed to the link with Northern Ireland and the experience of Irish workers in Britain with the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Trudey De Haney - a G&M full timer and secretary of Nottingham Inter Union Race Relations Group criticised the TUC for doing nothing practical for black workers and showed that in many cases black workers are not given full representation by their shop stewards. On the election she said as a Labour Party member she would be fighting for a Labour government although she didn't have illusions. She would rather be fighting a Labour government than a Tory one.

Speakers from the floor included many black organisations bour Party to rub shoulders with the MPs, I joined because I believe it is the vehicle for radical change right now?

Trade Union speakers included the AUEW North London District Convenor who fully backed the conference and Hackney NUT, who have got the police banned from all but 2 schools in the area.

The afternoon session was supposed to be a discussion on now to build the campaign, but inevitably was disorganised because there was a free for all on resolutions. Anyone and everyone could put them forward throughout the afternoon.

From the platform, John Fernandes, sacked from Hendon Police College for leaking essays from cadets that were extremely racist, read out some of the sick contents and asked why these racists remain in the force.

Ernie Robers spoke mainly on the Colin Roach campaign and made some dubious remarks about 'Dixon of Dock Green policing' which provoked comments that it never existed - although his presence and consistent support was very much welcomed.

The afternoon was taken up by resolutions. The main resolution structured the campaign and committed us to the demonstration on May 22.

A resolution was passed calling on the GLC to keep its pledge of funding for the demo. The GLC withdrew the funding when the election was called using us and that black people will not be told when and when not to march by the GLC.

An important resolution was passed from Hackney Trades Council which called on support from the trade union movement and the writing of a leaflet from the campaign directed at trade unionists.

Overall the conference laid the basis for a mass campaign against increased police powers.

But to do this, SO supporters must play their role too. There were only 2 present at the conference, despite the importance of the issue. Where were the others?

We must put this right by sponsoring the campaign, fighting actively to build it.

The campaign can be sponsored through; Campaign to Curb Police Powers, c/o Hackney Town Hall, Mare St.

Sunday May 22, Ipm: demenstration from Brockwell Park to Hyde Park.

Saturday June 4:

national day of action with pickets of police stations.

Contact the campaign c/o Room 116, Hackney Town Hall, Mare St., London E8 (01)-986 3123 ext 252.