Undercover policing “an affront to democracy and human rights”, says firefighters’ union

The Undercover Policing Inquiry has today released its first interim report, covering Tranche 1 of the Inquiry’s investigations (1968-1982).

Responding to the findings of the interim report, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said:

“Today’s interim report confirms once again that the British state has, over many decades, placed police spies into the lives and the legitimate organising activities of trade unionists, activists and campaigners.

“The aim of much of this police activity was not to uncover or prevent crime, but to undermine the activities of political activists and trade unions, and protect the interests of big business, the rich and the powerful.

“If the public had known what was happening, the undercover operations would never have lasted. The fact that that this political policing continued in secret is an affront to democracy and to the human rights of those involved.

“There are many problems with this inquiry. It has taken far too long to get to this stage, and it is unacceptable that it will now take years more for a final report.

“The Fire Brigades Union is a Core Participant in the inquiry and we are aware that we have been spied on. We will continue to campaign for justice on this issue. We send our solidarity to all those affected by undercover policing.”