SPY COPS ACTIVIST GETS DAY IN COURT
Governments forced to defend snub
A CAMPAIGNER has launched a court battle over the Scottish Government’s decision not to order a public inquiry into undercover police tactics.
Glasgow-based environmental activist Tilly Gifford’s legal team used an online crowdfunding appeal to raise the £7000 needed to take the case forward and trigger a Government response in court.
They want the Home Office to extend the Pitchford Inquiry, which will probe illegal tactics used by undercover police since 1968, beyond England and Wales.
The SNP Government refused to order a separate inquiry north of the Border when then home secretary Theresa May didn’t include Scotland in the investigation. They plan instead to hold a police-led “review” of activities since the start of devolution.
Lawyers acting for both the Scottish and UK Governments have now been given a July 18 deadline to set out their position against a judicial review in Scotland.
A judge will then decide whether to allow the challenge to go any further in court.
Tilly occupied a taxiway at Aberdeen Airport in March 2009 as part of expansion protest group Plane Stupid.
She was then allegedly approached by Strathclyde Police officers who wanted to recruit her as a spy. She also came into contact with Mark Kennedy, an undercover officer who infiltrated protest groups and is said to have tricked a woman into a long-term relationship.
Tilly, 32, turned to crowdfunding when she was refused legal aid.
She said: “I’ve met so many people with similar experiences or who want to support us. It’s great to see things starting to move forward.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We continue to believe that a single inquiry across the UK would be the best option.”
The UK Government said the Pitchford Inquiry’s terms of reference have already been set. THIS cutie is one of 14 young otters that are being cared for by the Scottish SPCA.
Since the charity’s wildlife rescue centre in Clackmannanshire opened five years ago, they have successfully released 49 otters back into their natural habitat.
Manager Colin Seddon said: “If people find a healthy otter cub on its own, leave it alone, as their mother will not return if humans are around. If the cub is still there after an hour, call our helpline for advice.”