Subscribe now and choose from over 30 free gifts worth up to £49 - Plus get £25 to spend in our shop
From one of the Sky reporters twitter
juliareid21Overheard one protester to another... What is that? Oh that is the bank of england...#g20
Classic! 😆
plenty of suits happily wandering around between Swiss Re and Lloyds.
peaceful protestors always wear hoodies and scarves. muppets.
More people on protests have taken to concealing their identities, due to the proliferation of surveillance by the police. Many believe this is a violation of their civil liberties, so take appropriate action. This is not illegal. The police have, in the past, removed identification from their uniforms, during protests and demonstrations. What's the reason for this? Are they muppets too?
If people want, I can nip round to the chemists, and stock up on Imodium, and come and deliver it to your offices. PK; can I put you down for an extra-large pack?
I'm hoping to nip over the Canary Wharf, later, see what's what, maybe take some pics.
Now then, do I have champagne at lunch, or a bottle of the Corner Shop's rather decent Claret?
it seems to be kicking off a bit on the bbc some shoving of the police
but seem to be nearly as many journos, especially photographers as demonstrators
CF, I'd actually be tempted by a bottle of Lebanese over lunch, plenty there to spark the palate.
Flashy; I could meet you!
I'll bring the kebabs, you supply the wine!
You want chilli sauce with that?
I'll skip the Beluga today
well this is turning out to be a rather entertaining inaugural [b]financial fools[/b] day
I'm hoping to nip over the Canary Wharf, later, see what's what, maybe take some pics.
Don't take any pics of police officers or you'll be [url= http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=836675 ]charged under the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.[/url]
No point coming to Canary Wharf. It's as dull as usual round here, much to the disgust of the security people. A couple of rolling road blocks aside it's a normal, beige day here.
There's some scruffy oik with a megaphone outside the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street trying to whip up a frenzy.
Anyone care to place a bet on the nature of his education and family background? Trustafarian, I'd wager....
And, as to the issue of all the other great unwashed dressed in their black hoodies, balaclavas and the like....Intent on a peaceful protest? Bullsh1t. They're just the usual rent a mob who turn up at anything looking for a fight. Tw@s the lot of them.
police being forced backwards now, many many more people here than anticipated i think
Hang on, Flashy! That means you're blaming...
...the Middle Classes.
Dear God.
Indeed I am. Arriviste scum the lot of them. 😉
it's a normal, beige day here.
Are there any protesters there, though?
I really don't fancy being in the scrum at Bank, tbh. Fluffy and peaceful suits (!) me...
*loads tear gas into grenade launcher*
Wait 'til you see the whites of their eyes, boys!
They're just the usual rent a mob who turn up at anything looking for a fight. Tw@s the lot of them.
I agree. But most people there seem to be just normal bods. A lot of 'studenty' types, it looks like, but you'll always get the young idealistic people at things like this. And quite right, an' all. Plenty of healthy young energetic shouty people!
Nothing I can see, Rudeboy. They couldn't cope with the wall of indifference, I suspect.
"A lot of 'studenty' types"
Probably dressed down city workers come to see what all the fuss is about.
Anyone fancy a pint in the Lamb?
Any excitement going on as I'm about to head off, suit 'n' all.
I really do hope it does not in any way kick off, because undoubtedly, innocent people will get hurt. And as for those who'd attack someone in a suit, well, I see that as akin to racism; acting with prejudice towards someone for their appearance, opinions and way of life. That's not right. Good to see so many people defying 'police advice', and just wearing what they choose to. Fair play to them.
Not everyone in a suit is a ****. Likewise, the same goes for people with dreadlocks, hoodies, dogs on string etc.
"1230: City workers have been leaning out of windows to wave £10 notes at G20 protesters on the streets below, the Press Association reports. Demonstrators responded with jeers and shouts, their reporter says."
lol
well that's inflation for you. In 1999 it was £50 notes 🙂
It's kicking off now
i'm off in a few minutes with my 'get a job you workshy soapdodger' placard.
i couldn't get a bowler hat to go with the suit though.
Yes, there's some scuffling developing. Seems to stem from one or two individuals, who are goading the police. This is just the kind of thing that is not needed. It just takes a tiny spark, then you've got mass hysteria, and it all goes horribly wrong.
i'm off in a few minutes with my 'get a job you workshy soapdodger' placard.
I'm assuming that's a joke, but is not that just antagonistic, and adding fuel to the flames?
Hopefully. It's deadly dull at the moment. We need more violence. All those camera crews and journalists are going to be very peeved if it doesn't kick off 🙂
I'm assuming that's a joke, but is not that just antagonistic, and adding fuel to the flames?
I'm sure the protesters aren't keeping track of this thread on their iPhones, so don't think that comment will act as any sort of catalyst for trouble or violence.
I wish I was in London to back you up Mr Smith. I've got a spare "get a job, get a haircut" placard I haven't used for a while. 🙂
Rudeboy in adding fuel to the flames comment, oh the irony!
I'm sure the protesters aren't keeping track of this thread on their iPhones, so don't think that comment will act as any sort of catalyst for trouble or violence.
Probbly right, but it does point towards the animosity between people, which is understandable, and has been intensified by the media.
Of course, nothing is actually stopping you from forming your own counter-protest. In fact, please do, as it can surely only contribute toward the democratic process; good to have as many diverse opinions as possible, surely?
I'm afraid there will be a bit of a mark-up on the Imodium; supply and demand, 'Market Forces'. I'm sure you understand that. 😉
Rudeboy in adding fuel to the flames comment, oh the irony!
Shhhh....
I just wandered down to bank, in my suit and tie. not really much happenning at all. the police are keeping them pretty well penned in.
Plenty of people in suits etc right up close to the action, and no ill feeling there. Business as usual as far as all but those in the square are concerned.
I feel a bit left out as I'm in Barbican, nothing ever happens here 🙁 All I get is the buzz of the chopper hovering over Bank.
I've just rode around the BofE - it's mostly city workers taking pictures on their mobiles of the police, photographers and the odd brick thrower
Right it's official going tits up. The RBS building being assulted is on my route to the station!
That's good, pk-ripper. When my offices were in the City I joined the 2000 protest - well, it was the only way to get across Cornhill to the Mont Blanc shop 😀 Wierd experience - naked people, some up lampposts, ambled along in a carnival atmosphere (OK, those up the lampposts sort of hung around, but you get the picture). Very nice - hardest thimng I had to do was to talk my way back into work past the over-zealous security people.
Anyway, all quiet on the Eastern Front still.
Any live feeds on any of the news channels?
Any live feeds on any of the news channels?
Nah, they've gone all modern with twitter these days dontcha know 😉
Not sure to be honest 🙂
Raving loons out the front of RBS. There seems to be a fair mix of genuinely concerned people, knobs out to casue trouble, and students with nothing better to do.
yep RBS building is getting a kicking
apparently one of the only buildings on the route, that didnt board up their windows
seems to be another outstanding display of intelligence from the bank that rewarded fred the shed for his spectacular success
wait a minute dont we all own a bit of rbs after the bail out??
Sky News are trying their hardest to make it sound more entertaining than it is
Shit; shooduv got down there, and nabbed a new computer!
Oh lord 😯
[img] 
[/img]
when the city workers all turned up in casual dress - it would have been interesting to see all the demonstrators turn up in suits. 🙂
sadly, tax payers will be paying for 80% of those RBS windows
Police are now penning people in, and not allowing people in or out. Seems they're now squeezing people into a tighter and tighter space. Classic provocative tactics, which will undoubtedly provoke an aggressive response.
Clear to see on BBC live footage.
They should allow people to leave, if they want to. What's the sense in holding people in a small area, and not allowing them freedom of movement?
The police were doing well until that point.
police are putting on riot gear apparently....
1405 The BBC's Daniel Boettcher says: A dozen or so police officers are putting on riot gear. On this corner of Threadneedle Street some of the protesters have been surging forward trying to push through the police line. The police have blocked off all approaches to the square, they are letting people out but no one back in again.
shoot all the workshy lazy twunts now they have cornered em....
Is it not the other way around? Aggressive tactics from some protesters (punching / shoving / smashing windows / throwing objects / breaking into rbs) causing an aggressive response from the police?
nickname - seems to me you are right, what are the police meant to do? let them smash up whatever they want?
Well, according to the BBC crews, the trouble started after the police cordoned off one area, and are preventing anyone from leaving. The BBC reporters are saying that trouble is flaring up, as people try to leave the cordoned off area.
Admittedly, a few idiots are smashing things up. But the police actions do seem deliberately provocative.
Admittedly, a few idiots are smashing things up. But the police actions do seem deliberately provocative.
Do you honestly believe the Police want a riot? 🙄
Ummmm, you honestly believe that some of the Police don't want a riot? I know a few people who joined the Police growing up just so they could get in a fight and not get arrested.
Do you honestly believe the Police want a riot? [:roll:]
Well isn't it what coppers like? To do kick the shit out of people when they are sure they have the superiority?
I'd like to see them go face to face with protesters like men, without gear or tears gases or water canon
fred, seriously, same people, same time every year.
why are these ****ers not at work like you and me.
cos they are trouble causing idiots who will protest at someone farting.
shoot the ****ing lot of em and get it over and done with.
[url= http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/police-looking-forward-to-%91summer-of-truncheons%92-200902241600/ ]Supt Logan stressed that anyone who is thinking about protesting this summer should not be put off, adding: "Come to London. Have a day out. Throw bricks, deface banks with your tins of Farrow and Ball paint and above all, when the policemen charge at you, stand your ground.And when six of my lads are dragging you by the hood of your Fat Face cagoule into the back of a van, please do struggle a bit, thereby giving them reasonable cause to boot you squarely in the kidneys. They love that."[/url] 😉
spot on juan.
the red and black flags of the anarchists are in view now thats why the coppers are getting suited and booted.
Keeping them all in one place stops them from running amok throughout the city. my routes to the station to get home already sound blocked, so I don't want anymore neanderthals buggering up my day further. Keep 'em there until they get bored / tired, etc
If the route was known before the protest, why would they not board up the RBS of all buildings?
Are the government looking to put forward further restrictions to right to protest before the carp hits the fan with higher unemployment etcetera later on in the year??
New sweepstake:How many times is ton going to post the same thought?
😉
I'd like to see them go face to face with protesters like men, without gear or tears gases or water canon
Maybe they could just all get their manhood out and compare? Save all the fisticuffs?
LOL @ BD, love it.
A lot of my lads were too young for the poll tax riots and so this could be their only chance to knock the absolute living shit out of a Guardian reader.
my mate who is a copper loves a good ruck
The Beard, last time the protesters actually went up against people who really diditn like them, they got off far worse 🙂
WHEN 35 Greenpeace protesters stormed the International Petroleum Exchange (IPE) yesterday they had planned the operation in great detail.What they were not prepared for was the post-prandial aggression of oil traders who kicked and punched them back on to the pavement.
“We bit off more than we could chew. They were just Cockney barrow boy spivs. Total thugs,” one protester said, rubbing his bruised skull. “I’ve never seen anyone less amenable to listening to our point of view.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article515384.ece
and no ****erts biting bd.New sweepstake:How many times is ton going to post the same thought?
may as well go get a bun from the shop...... 😥
i love the daily mash, thats a classic 'story'!
I'd like to see these protestors go face to face with a police force that aren't subject to such media scrutiny. There's any number of countries, including European ones that would have quashed this whole protest already with water cannons, tear gas etc.
The relative restraint and coordinated effort our boys are showing right now is admirable. The penning in is a standard tactic of containment in anything like this, and used to protect the civil liberties of the non-protesting majority. Whether it inflames or not isn't relevant, as in the same way as a fire, if you contain it, it will burn out.
Ton, there are undoubtedly some troublemakers, tis is true. But I'm watching the BBC coverage, and it does appear that the police are provoking violence. This is what the BBC are saying, actually. And the footage does show police pushing the crowds back. Apparently, many people now want to leave the area, but are being prevented from doin so.
You may not agree with their point of view, but they have the right to protest. As did the Miners, the Dockers, the Jarrow Hunger Marchers, the Print workers, etc.
Do you honestly believe the Police want a riot?
It would serve the police's and the government's interests, to have ugly scenes of violence and civil unrest. This would undoubtedly precipitate further restrictions on rights to protest, as new laws banning protests would seem more justified.
They've spent millions on this operation. Of course they want a ruck!
he penning in is a standard tactic of containment in anything like this, and used to protect the civil liberties of the non-protesting majority
Wrong. It's to prevent people leaving the scene, to join protests elsewhere, and to provoke violent response.I've seen this with my own eyes, from within such a situation. The police could easily simply move the group on, allow people to leave, or just let them stay there, which would not provoke angry response.
Protect the Civil Liberties of the Non-Protesting Majority. You make me laugh.
Protect the banks and greed-mongers, more like!
i still cant understand why RBS are the only building on the route not to board up their windows
are these bankers really that stupid
or were they deliberately hoping for this to happen?
Apparently, many people now want to leave the area, but are being prevented from doin so.
See, when the footie is on in Sheffield and when they let the 'peaceful hooligans' leave the area, they (the hooligans) all run round the back street with their 'mates' and re-form, only to spread the disturbance, broken windows and fighting.
Seems sensible to me to bore them into submission by keeping them all in a nice tight knit group, with no weapons to hand, limiting them moving and reforming.
It would serve the police's and the government's interests, to have ugly scenes of violence and civil unrest. This would undoubtedly precipitate further restrictions on rights to protest, as new laws banning protests would seem more justified.
Agrees with Rude Boy.
Goes off for a quiet lie down.
Well, what do you expect from the BBC? Stokes up the story a bit, doesn't it?
kimbers, I would suggest a couple of possible reasons:
1) externally mounted glass clad frames arent easy to "board up"
2) maybe they were trying to say "we have nothing to hide and we support your right to protest"
3) maybe they were trying to say "we arent your enemy, we are a state bank, so dont pick on us"
Matt, it's only rudeboy that doesn't get the concept, so no change there.
Seems sensible to me to bore them into submission by keeping them all in a nice tight knit group
you are trolling aren't you? please tell me you are?
i feel sorry for the everyday staff at the banks, cashiers and the like
Well, it might be protecting the greed-mongers (whoever they are), but I assume they have civil liberties to be protected? Or do you think they should be thrown to the baying crowd? And how do you identify one?
And by banks do you mean their employees, their buildings or the oppressive capitalist system they rely upon?
2) maybe they were trying to say "we have nothing to hide and we support your right to protest"
3) maybe they were trying to say "we arent your enemy, we are a state bank, so dont pick on us"
LOL! Nice one, Stoner!
Matt, it's only rudeboy that doesn't get the concept, so no change there.
LOL! I get the 'concept', PK Pucker, you just don't get the REAL reasons behind such tactics.
And that's '[b]Mr[/b] RudeBoy' to you.