Smash EDO is a group in Brighton that for the last four years has been campaigning against the local arms factory. The factory makes weapons components that are used in missiles fired on the people of Iraq and Palestine. The campaign uses a variety of tactics including direct action and constantly has to fight to defend the right to protest as the police and the factory collude to try and silence protest. The factory tried to take out an injunction under the Protection from Harassment Act (first time this act was used against anyone other than the animal rights movement). The campaign fought the injunction and won in the HIgh Court costing the factory millions of pounds. The camapign is a great example of a long running, radical campaign that uses creative and changing tactics. (for more info see: www.smashedo.org.uk)
An independent film maker has made a documentary about the campaign detailing the rise and sucess of the group and the attempts to squash it. We are touring this film in the Spring (March and April) and are missing a date in Oxford.
The idea would be to show the film, have questions and answers, then focus on how to get involved in anti-arms trade/ anti war machine action in your local area and how to support the campaign from around the country.
CAN ANYONE HELP US?
Contact:
on-the-verge@hotmail.co.uk or 01273 685913