Will the Real Extremists Go Home - Demo report, Moreton-in-Marsh Glos. 3rd June 06

Click on image to enlargeWith just three days notice, around 200 supporters of the SPEAK campaign gathered at Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire to send a clear message to the masked extremists currently holed up in the Fire Service College just outside Moreton-in-Marsh. The balaclava wearing builders of Oxford University’s planned animal torture centre have been quietly enjoying the facilities at the college for some weeks now, but all that is about to change! Campaigners set off on a noisy march through Moreton and headed towards the Fire Service College. It was immediately obvious from those members of the public that we passed that it wasn't only supporters of the SPEAK campaign that wanted the fanatics inside the college moved away. People came out of their houses to see what was going on, with many offering us their support.

On arrival at the Fire Service College we were 'invited' to use the  'designated protest area'  that Gloucestershire police had so thoughtfully provided - this pen served only to remind us all just how low the authorities have sunk in doing their master's bidding. It is now very obvious that the only argument the Government and Oxford University have left is to try to paint anyone who opposes them as fanatics in the vain hope that the real arguments about animal suffering and fraudulent science are lost.

Click on image to enlargeThe activists gathered near the gates of the college and listened as a one time fireman and now active animal rights campaigner told the crowd that there was serious 'disquiet' from those who work in the college about having the animal lab builders in their midst. It is our understanding from sources within the college that the office of the deputy Prime Minister has run roughshod over the management at the college and have forced them to house the builders at their facility!

Despite the very hot weather, campaigners used their collective voices (and megaphones of course) to make sure that the message was heard loud and clear - the extremists in Oxford University’s employ are not wanted at the college. Just beyond the gates to the college some unpleasant looking thugs could be seen photographing protesters - these hired heavies have also been seen at the lab building site in Oxford and it is known that they come from a firm run by ex-special forces operatives based in Herefordshire. The activists eventually marched back to Moreton at the end of a very successful day vowing to be back again, no matter how long it takes to persuade the college to kick out the extremists in their midst!

SPEAK would like to thank all those who travelled to Gloucestershire at such short notice to take part in the demonstration. It is indeed testament to the dedication and determination of the animal rights movement that so many people are willing to travel long distances to support our campaign. Compassionate individuals travelled from as far away as Newcastle, Devon, Manchester and even Germany. On the other hand those supporting the animal abusers at Oxford University held a demo in Oxford City centre yesterday where a miserable 400 animal abuse supporters turned out. Let’s not forget the 1200 compassionate individuals who took to the streets of Oxford on the 22nd April to march against Oxford University’s animal torture lab and let’s not forget the 200 people that marched in Moreton-in-Marsh yesterday on only 3 days notice! It would appear that even those directly involved in animal abuse can’t motivate themselves to stand up for themselves. It just goes to show that compassion is a far greater motivator than greed and self interest. SPEAK have maintained that new groups springing up to support animal abuse are insignificant and irrelevant, run by people with hidden agendas and more interested in launching their own careers than any real desire to support animal abuse industries. Yesterday's pathetic pro-animal abuse turnout just proves we were right all along. So let them get on with what they do best – MASSAGING their... egos – and we’ll get on with stopping the vivisection industry! 

SPEAK would also like to extend a special thanks to Steve, Fran and Pauline for providing us all with much needed food and drink on the day.