SPEAK Demo Report from Oxford Labs

Oxford University's arrogant attitude and disregard for anything other than its own interests was clearly illustrated by an incident that occurred that afternoon. For some time now SPEAK have been trying to draw attention to the dangerous situation that the university has caused by creating a blind spot on the junction of South Parks Road with Mansfield Road. The nine foot high fence that surrounds their new animal torture lab, blocking off the pavement and the pedestrian crossing, has been causing problems for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers alike, forcing those on foot to walk in the road and blocking the vision of those in vehicles. It was therefore of no surprise to SPEAK supporters when an accident occurred at this junction during the afternoon protest. Luckily no one was hurt, this time. But will it take someone being seriously injured before this fence, which serves no real purpose now as the outer building work on the lab has been completed, is removed? Don't forget that it was only eighteen months ago a number of people sustained injuries when a section of this very same fence blew down, trapping and crushing the pedestrians unlucky enough to be caught beneath it.

The council have previously claimed that the fence was positioned there at the request of Thames Valley Police for security purposes. This begs the question; is the university going to keep that dangerous and unsightly fence there unnecessarily forever, because we would like to assure them that the lawful SPEAK protests against the atrocities carried out by this institution will continue until the cruelty stops. The resolve of the SPEAK Campaign is stronger than ever - we will never be silenced or walk away from the voiceless victims of Oxford University.