“Trade
unionists are demanding a full inquiry into ‘very troubling
allegations’ of police spying on activists and blacklisted workers.
Home Secretary Theresa May has already set up an inquiry headed by
Lord Justice Pitchford into allegations of police surveillance
operations against activists, but its full remit is not yet known.
The inquiry has come about in response to allegations by police
whistleblower Peter Francis, formerly of the Special Demonstration
Squad, that during his four years working as an infiltrator of
political groups he spied on member of five unions, including the
Fire Brigades Union (FBU).”
“Wrack
said an inquiry into allegations of police spying on causes such as
environmentalism, the Stephen Lawrence murder case and trade unionism
was 'long overdue.' Another group affected are those blacklisted by
employers. Blacklist Support Group (BSG) secretary Dave Smith made an
official submission to Pitchford last week regarding allegations of
'collusion' between police and businesses.”
“In
March it was reported police spying had also been extended to Labour
MPs. Francis revealed 10 Labour MPs were tailed and spied upon by
British police. Those affected demanded the release of secret files
kept on them. The surveillance was carried out as recently as the
1990s when the politicians had been democratically elected to
parliament. Among the MPs targeted were prominent left-wingers and
serving ministers Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott and Dennis Skinner. The
late Tony Benn, a lifelong socialist and anti-war campaigner, was
also tailed by British police.”
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