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Bank rage in the City on Obama's big day
Justin Davenport and Kiran Randhawa01.04.09
PROTESTERS stormed the Royal Bank of Scotland this afternoon and besieged the Bank of England as the City institutions became the target of mob hatred.
More than 4,000 demonstrators clashed with police in what Scotland Yard called “increasing levels of violence”.
A morning of peaceful marches against the G20 summit of world leaders including Barack Obama and Gordon Brown ended with the sound of broken glass in Threadneedle Street. The windows of the RBS branch office were smashed in and a group of men wearing bandanas charged inside. There were reports that some of them got on the roof of the seven-storey building.
Several police officers and demonstrators were treated for head injuries as the two sides surged backwards and forwards. A printer and other office equipment were thrown out onto the street. Hundreds of protesters cheered as a chair was used to smash one of the windows. Around the branch office, which had been shut by RBS as a precaution, demonstrators charged police lines as officers hit back with baton charges.
Pictures: Violent clashes at the G20m protests
Blood spattered the pavement outside the bank as injured protesters were led out of the melee.
Protesters who raided the RBS offices came out with computer hard drives, threw them on the ground and began jumping on them.
Others sprayed graffiti on the walls with the slogan “f**k the banks”.
Demonstrators began chanting at City workers watching on from the building opposite “are you proud of what you do?” and “it's all your fault”.
A protester who had blood dripping from his head said he had come expecting a peaceful protest.
Neil Caffrey said he was hit with a truncheon by police as crowds stormed past the line of officers to get to the RBS building.
The 45-year-old car designer from Luton said: “I was just standing here when all of a sudden people began crushing me to get past me and police officers just hit out at anyone in their way. I have come here because I want a better economic system and I don't agree with war, but I did not come here to get involved in violence. It has all been very unnecessary.”
About 2,000 people were kept penned in near the RBS bank this afternoon. Police told demonstrators they would be bringing them portable lavatories and food.
Jack Reilly, 22, a post-graduate student from Tunbridge Wells, studying at University College, was among those close to the assault on the RBS offices: "I saw a group of anarchists break down the windows with their helmets and about 10 of them got inside. They started damaging the place, throwing things out, like chairs and computer monitors and keyboards and writing slogans.
“A group of riot police went in after them and got them out. Earlier I saw two ordinary police officers get dragged into the crowd as well, they had their helmets taken off and were roughed up by the crowd. The mood was pretty angry. I was hit on the arm by a police baton, but I'm okay."
By 3.20pm police said more than 25 people were arrested. Eleven were held when police seized an armoured personnel carrier which had been driven up Bishopsgate. Those who were found inside the vehicle were arrested for unlawful possession of police uniforms. Four other people were arrested earlier when police raided a building being used as an HQ by one of the protest groups.
In a separate manoeuvre, hundreds of people set up a “climate camp” outside the European Climate Exchange in Bishopsgate, closing the street.
They pitched tents and set up farmers' market stalls, bunting and banners. There were skirmishes as police tried to prevent four separate marches converging at the bank this morning and demonstrators hurled missiles including fruit and paint bombs at the lines of officers.
Several officers had their helmets knocked off and protesters tossed them in the air. Police said that the protest was peaceful at first but an element in the crowd stirred up trouble by attacking officers. Witnesses described black-clad anarchists wearing hooded tops and with their faces covered leading the trouble. Among the crowds outside the Bank of England was musician and political activist Billy Bragg.
Bragg said: “It's better than sitting down shouting at the television at these bankers. We cannot go back to the way things were before to the million-dollar bonus culture.”
Commander Simon O'Brien, a senior officer in charge of the police operation, said: “We are trying to facilitate a peaceful protest and we do not want to see it hijacked by elements within the group.”
Pictures: Violent clashes at the G20m protests
Reader views (104)
All the hand-wringing liberals who believe that everybody there yesterday was full of sunshine and love are clearly deluded. As is always the case with these things, there was a minority doing their best to spoil it for everyone else. You'll recognize them as the snarling creatures at the front, 'leading the charge' and screaming "our street, our street!"
How exactly did smashing up that branch of RBS help anything? How did terrifying all the workers there, who will earn a meager salary and have job worries help end world poverty?
The simple fact is, the people who did that weren't making any form of political protest, they simply wanted to smash something up.
- Joe, Romford
It's made of stone, Neil.
People like you mean we don't even have to argue for the other side.
- Stu, Beckton
Just a couple of points. Most (99.9%) of bank workers don't get mega bonuses.
To the twit on Sky who said he was smashing up the RBS 'because we own it now', do you smash all your possessions??
Students weren't skiving off because the Universities finished last Friday for Easter (come on, it's a drag having to attend up to three hours of lectures a week!)
- Paul, London
I hope the Bank of England gets burned to the ground.
- Neil M., london uk,
No one is "hiding" in jeans and trainers, Richard.
Wearing a suit on either of these days brings with it significantly higher personal risk from the window smashing fools you side with on this. All the companies I know have actually enforced a dress down (or work from home) rule, rather than offering it as an option.
It has nothing whatsoever to do with "hiding", and I find your accusation contemptible.
- Stu, Beckton
I understand the right to protest, but to riot i do not.
- Colin, london
I don't condone the violence. but this protest serves as an example to all the bankers,investment bankers and other financial professionals of what they have done to the world economy in the name of capitalism and free markets. They need to understand their anger and dedicate their lives to correct the wrong that has been done to so many millions of innocent citizens. No atomic bomb could have caused this much suffering and humiliation to so many people around the world. It is immoral for these execs to pay themselves so much money and perks at the expense of the hard work of other people. They need to apologize in most public way and vow to make the necessary correction if they have any bit of decency and honesty.
- Kanan Krishnan, mountain view
I don't usually have any sympathy with loony-left demonstrators but this time I do because the City traders, cravenly hiding in jeans and trainers, are even more contemptible - selfish, greedy arrogant and unrepentant as they are. But why haven't there been any demonstrations in Mayfair where many of the hedge funds and their super-rich clients, perhaps even more culpable than the banks, skulk?
- Richard Kennard, London
This would not happen where i live. In the State of Missouri, it is legal to carry a concealed weapon. The protesters and the police behave themselves here a little more than what the world saw today in London for that reason.
Just be glad that people in England are not as dumb as Americans; they are actually more informed and engaged in current affairs than the idiots i must deal with on a daily basis.
Everyone here is a Jesus Freak, protesting the Women's Health Clinic down the street for providing abortions and free birth control, when our city is number one and two in the nation for veneral disease.
- Matt, St. Louis, Missouri - U.S.A.
Do not blame the USA alone for all of the problems. There have been many REAL ESTATE Broadcasts here in the USA that had originated from the UK. The UK had Real Estate Speculators and bankers that can't count as well as the USA does. I watched them on CNBC Europe at 01:00 on many mornings. I understand your frustration, and guess what many generations of our taxpayers are stuck as well as yours. Based on what I am reading now, many countries had the same idiots running their banks as well. The outrage from those protestors is justified, but the violence is NOT!. Obama has now kicked General Motors in the teeth and Chrysler in the groin trying to get them to shape up. I applaud that. I sincerely hope the banks are next.
- Eddie, Columbus,OH USA
Once the G 20 is over please keep Barry Sotero and Michelle Obama.They are the worst threat to America since the 1700's. We don't want them here.
- Nickin Washington, Seattle WA U.S.
"The sub-bar intellegence levels of the "anarchists" quite frankly never ceases to amaze me."...
Anna, London
Uhm, maybe before criticizing others you might want to check your spelling (more so since now days we have a thing on computers called spell check!).
For your information a lot of people who go to demonstrate (and I'll give you that there are sadly the smelly unemployed useless hippies in the lot and also the over enthusiastic students) go to work but just not in offices. Real work that actually improves and truly contributes to the human race isn't done in cubicles. Far out uh?
As for the general bashing/destruction of property/people regardless of who does it (demonstrators/anarchist/cops/suits) I think it defeats the point of trying to make things better.
Real change comes from within.
Peace \/m
- Eddy, London
Obama has made such a mess of this country with double unemployment and 2 trillion in wasteful spending he is a poor example of someone telling other countries what to do. He doesn't believe we have a terrorist problem and cannot control our own borders. Take his flowery rehtoric with a grain of salt in London and elsewhere.
- Jack, Helena USA
MICKYINLONDON YOU TALK TOTAL RUBBISH GET YOU FACTS RIGHT.
In 1969 potatoes prices was £200 per ton wages was £5 a day
Todays potato price £110 per ton WAGES let you work that one out if you can.
Thats like that with all the products grown dont think for one minute just because you pay more in your cosy supermarket its passed on to the farmer because it is not.
Why do they employ eu works because they want to work and twice as hard as the british worker who wants more money for less work (well no wonder they invested in expensive machines where they can).
NEVER SEEN A POOR FARMER.(open your eyes) i dont know one all the farmer i know are still working(ages 70-85 year old) with there sons because they cant afford not to.
And yes i come from a farming background but my father told me 11 years ago dont come into this industry so now i run my own food retail business i made more money in ten years then he and his father did in 50 years
If i dont know what i'm talking about i keep my mouth shut.
- Poor Farmers Son, S/LINCS
Wow - this makes me *really* want to visit the UK. You know, we have gang violence over here like any country, but Ive never read of mob violence.
Our great grandparents survived the depression. This is just a tiny recession. Chill out people.
- Sarah, Australia
Yes, must say the average City worker was an utter disappointment Today. Dress code spanned the following:-
in their 20's fashionistas, the 30's I'm not frightened of anarchishts and am wearing my suit but I'm leaving my tie off! 40's - 50's jumper, with obligatory shirt underneath! All however, instantly recognisable as dress down City Workers. Please guys, get a grip! Next time be bold, be proud just wear your suits and be done with it, you're not fooling anyone.
- Terry Tramp, South East
its funny how all these people are quick to make an opinion blaming anarchists when they didn't even go to the protest.
the police, as always initiated ALL the violence. a few anarchists smashed some windows and threw some things at the police in retaliation, big deal. police were beating and arresting even sit down protesters, and were enjoying themselves in the process.
the police are supposed to protect the public, not attack them. they were trying to intimidate the crowd well before any windows got smashed.
- British People, london
While we are discussing today's events, folks, let us not
allow our minds to be diverted from more important things: Second-Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and her fellow robber-MPs and our Lords For Hire.
- Roy, London England.
Why dont the police spray these demonstrators with a long lasting Dye they would then be easily identified later and would have some explaining to do when the turn up for work tomorrow in their pin striped suits after phonenng in sick or taking a days leave!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex
The sub-bar intellegence levels of the "anarchists" quite frankly never ceases to amaze me. They are targetting Fred the Shred presumably, who for one is living in Scotland and therefore unaffected by this rubbish, but secondly, since RBS is now wholly owned by the taxpayer, it will be the taxpayer meeting the cost of new windows, new computers etc and therefore renders their antics totally and utterly pointless. Having witnessed these "demonstrations" today virtually outside my office it is very clear that 90% of them have never done a days work in their lives (unless you think it is possible to hold down a responsible job with tattoos on your face and those ridiculous earrings that make your earlobes look a metre wide. You are all truly pathetic.
- Anna, London
There is no excuse for violent protests or demonstartions however, who are these world"leaders". Who elected them to repair the damage caused by the biggest of them all, the USA.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
Has anyone given a thought to the policemen who had to stand and take all the abuse today. I am very proud of them....they deserve more newspaper coverage than the people that took part.
Well done for keeping your patience.
I believe the police in the US would not have been so tolerant
- Elizabeth Taylor, tx us
Check out the photo and then check Sky News and you will find that at this incident the camera men and photographers far outnumbered the protesters. Who is egging who on?
- Ayliff Mcnab, Spain
Ah, for the students taking a day out from their studies and a lot of others on the dole spending a little time 'protesting' by creating mayhem. The bulk have some sort of grievance, but a few will always use the majority to cover their nefarious activities.
It will be interesting to know who of those arrested are on the dole or a student. If the former, a small fine, which we will pay and he, she or it will continue on their merry way. Better they be given say 500+ hours community service and sent out to do some hard labour, say on a farm, hired out by the service to recoup some of the losses and if they don't comply cut off their benefits. If students, exposed , fined and expelled, but with a lot of community service, as they claim to be doing the community a service. Teach them the way of doing the community a service!
- Hugh, Middx
It is very interesting, reading these posts, to see a number of people who wrote in supporting the aggressive demonstrations over Gaza are now ranting against the G20 demonstrators - er - because they are aggressive!
- Phil, London
Those who are committing offences should have their finances gone through with a toothcomb. Who pays them? Assuming they are on benefit, is it disability benefit; job seekers allowance, housing benefit, council tax benefit, do they have mobile phones and other 'evils' of a commercialism?
- Tim, London
This is just an excuse to cause trouble by the usual angry minority. The Police should just round up all those behaving violently and bang them in the slammer until the big meeting tomorrow is over .
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK
Send in the PARAs to deal with these rioters!
- Simon, LONDON
My admiration goes out to the brave young anarchists who have the guts to stand up to the real thieves and criminals who hide behind a cloak of respectability and have the affront to call themselves bankers, who incidentally have no qualifications in banking,and have cost this country billions because of there ineptitude.
- Kev, London-UK
A broken window and a stolen telephone isn't really what I'd call a riot, I've seen worse happen when the pubs shut. To be honest bar the odd scuffle it's all been a damp squid. For all those whingers about how this reflects our broken society in Britain, lets look at some other countries, starting with France and Greece because they never riot do they?
- Nj, London
As usual the people who would have attended to protest, to turn out in numbers that would have shown President Obama what contempt the people of the UK hold Brown and his corrupt government, have been persuaded not to attend. The lunatics once again preventing proper protest. To these people it matters not what the subject is, as long as a Starbucks or MacDonalds window goes in, property is damaged, police officers attacked and they all have a great laugh, subsidised through their dole money by the rest of us.
C'mon Police - I see you have a baton gunner van up there in the City today. USE THE THING FOR ONCE. Some firm action now may prevent things getting worse across central London when the sun goes down!
- Ranter, Maidstone, UK
I have no problem with the right to demonstrate, but even the most passionate of the peaceful protesters must accept that there are elements there who simply want to break things. The 'cause' is immaterial - although were they in a country where the forces of law and order could open fire with plastic bullets, I don't expect they would attend in quite such high numbers. A scarf over the mouth is little protection if you are shot at after you smash a shop window....
- Scots Lass, Scotland
There is no need for violence these rioters state they are against capitalism yet they use all the tools of capitalism such as computers mobile phones and anything else and oh yes I bet most of them are on benefits. The ordinary city workers are not the ones to blame they are just earning a living like anyone else they are not fat cats. If they wish to blame anyone blame Brown Blair and that crowd remember it is all Scottish institutions that have gone down the pan Brown turned a blind eye to what was going on because it suited him policically and because he thought everything was booming and because it was Scottish and was the biggest bank in the world and would put Scotland on the map.but Brown also said he saw it coming four years ago if so why did he not say so. it is said the Dunfirmline fiasco Darling has done it to sink the SNP and to get back at scottish voter because they dared vote for the SNP. Labour needs scottish votes to get into power again so beware of what they are doing to the English and are trying to get rid of any oppisition. so the rioters are in the wrong place and at the wrong people and we will have to pay for all this damage in our taxes Brown will make sure of that. If you wish to punish anyone punish Brown not the ordinary people
- Jacqui Williams, peterborough cambs
These people are just opportunists.
The average britain has forgotten how to complain.
Too busy with the NEW RELIGION FOOTBALL and the sordid tales of so-called Celebrities sickening sex lives.
Battle of Britain spirit ?
That was diluted years ago.
Our leaders think we are stupid how right they are !
Just spare a thought for our Police who have to face this garbage.
- Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD
Don't you think the loony lefties are contradicting themselves under a political correct Labour government ?
- Joe, Swanley Kent
MickyinLondon
"If you read British History; you will find that you still have a lot to learn about our leaders; and their methods of people control."
Like the sign in Hogarth's "Gin Lane";
Drunk for a penny
Dead drunk for twopence
- Stan Ex-London, USA
Brown deserves all he gets, riots, civil disobedience and ultimately loss of power - I'll not vote for this New Labour Deceiver who has besmirsched true socialist principles to the cost of millions of hardworking people. Even if I have to endure a few years of Toryisim it will be no worse than a further dose of New Labour.
- John, Leighton Buzzard, Beds
Looks like a bunch of thugs enjoying themselves. Destroying property is constructive? Since when?
Anyone recall that saying about the larger the crowd, the lower the collective intellect? That's why it doesn't take many well-organized anarchists (who have planned an co-ordinated their attacks) to take over an otherwise well-meaning and peaceful protest.
And to the guy who complained about calling them anarchists - another old saying might help...
If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, and it looks like a duck, the odds are pretty good that you're looking at a duck! The fact that some call themselves anarchists is also a clue.
- Rogan, Irving
"Having closely monitored the antics of the police, it is wholly apparent that the police are deliberately provoking demonstrators, as usual...
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe/Lancaster"
I wonder how closely you can monitor, and how wholly apparent it is from Morecambe/Lancaster?
perhaps a little more reality and a little fantasy is called for?
- Scott, london
yet again it seems rbs underestimated the situation leaving us to pick up the bill
- David Aston, rugby uk
yet again it seems rbs underestimated the situation leaving us to pick up the bill
- David Aston, rugby uk
No probs Stu- if I'm being honest, my response was rather pathetic and sanctimonous. I suppose I am associated with the 'nonsense' in some way since I do agree with the reasons behind the protests. But these rabble rousing anarchists aren't helping anyone with the manner in which they choose to show their objections.
- Cam, London, Broken Britain
Look again at the picture at the top of this article - 5, maybe 6 extreme protestors and at least double that number of photographers. Let's get it in perspective - a tiny minority of extremists being reported by the rolling news media who aren't that interested in the vast majority of peaceful protestors. Same old same old...
- Gordon, London
Quote: Alan Green, Woodford Green.
FARMERS TELL ME THEY CAN GET NO ONE OTHER THAN IMMIGRANTS TO GET THE HARVEST IN. FRIENDS IN THE HEALTH SERVICES TELL ME THEY ARE DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN CLEANERS. STRANGE THEREFORE WE HAVE SO MANY EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE TIME TO RIOT.
Farmers bring it all on themselves Alan.
They get the cheapest labour they can today; and use any excuse to justify it.
Long ago; Londoners went into the country-side to gather harvests for farmers; Hop picking was a favourite one; but potatoes and apples were just as popular; and the Londoners worked hard for little reward money wise; they tended to treat it as a holiday for all the family etc.
Very few schools got their children back into London Schools at the beginning of the school term; until the harvests were over; they were all in the countryside working and having fun.
This could still be happening today; had the farms kept things schemes like that running; instead they dispensed with London workers, for machines doing most of the work instead etc.
Now they are left with just needing a few people for the jobs machines cannot do.
What goes around comes around ‘’they say’'
By the way; there are not many poor farmers: Alan.
- Mickyinlondon, london
Last time I checked, hurling a computer through a window was not something you do when you're "peaceful"
- Kate, London
Take note mr brown,reality!!! civil riots next did'nt see it coming o!gord
- Robert Phelps, bussiere poitevine 87320 france
The sooner these stupid people have left our city the better! They are the coddled children of a middle class that would have never existed without the so-called evils of modern banking, joint stock companies, and insurance they are naive enough to despise. Hats off to the police for doing a difficult job. I say let these people spend a year in Venezuela. Let them go and live in Cuba, or North Korea for that matter. Morons. Absolute morons.
- Dave, London
Glencoe ?
Not the best choice of name if I remember history correctly.
- Stan Ex-London, USA
The revolt of the revolting - mostly fair-haired, blue-eyed and young. Perhaps they'll grow up one day. After all, the revolting activists of yesteryear were called Jack Straw, Peter Hain and Harriet Harman, and see what happened to them.Pity about poor old London though. I can't see the G20 or any other Gs wanting to meet up here again any time soon.
- Cassie, London
A couple of slight changes :-
"Among the crowds outside the Bank of England were millionaire comedian Russell Brand and millionaire musician and political activist Billy Bragg. "
- Chris Milburn, Tonbridge,England
It's not as if the officials didn't know that this was going to happen, now was it?
But let's analyze this a little further . . . Numerous Banks go under and are told that they are being sold-off rather than simply nationalized. The profitable parts of the banks are sold-off to other banks who have both riped-off their customers for years with over-charging and who have taken too many risks, which probably had a domino effect on those banks that went under. The taxpayer/public however get to take-on the riskiest parts of the banks that have gone under together with ALL of their bad debts?
Which "child" brokered this lunatic deal for the British taxpayer and public? Surely it wasn't anyone with beyond a kindergarden education, was it?!
- Fraser, Telford Park
And Cam, sarcasm isn't very becoming.
- Stu, Beckton
all this wasted money could have saved hundreds of lives today the money spent could have built a nice extension to Great ormand st hospital
or made sure our pensioners were all ok
what a waste
- Mickskin, Enfield UK
This is exactly why I left the UK. Social breakdown to the left wing minority... where is the public out cry to these non productive behaviour.
- Ex-Londoner, Virginia, usa
Cam, I did not think you were taking part, indeed that would be silly of me unless you took a laptop with you.
However, I was entirely correct in my response to "the biggest joke", which was the focal point of your post.
My apologies if I sounded like I was attaching you to this nonsense.
- Stu, Beckton
Our anarchists are disgrace, what a load of useless idiots - our europeans anarchits cousins would make a much beter job of it !!! Or maybe our police are just a little more canny than they are given credit for. Well done the Met / BTP / City police. Hold them there for 8 hours and let them moan and whine about their human rights.
- As, london
Hello Dave Madrid.
I am really far from scary; I am just an old man that was born during WW2 and grew up with the reality of possible death; every day.
We could have let the leaders get on with things in my day as well; like Hitler for instance?
I also do not think we are looking at the end of the world; I did that during WW2; and it never happened even then; the human race survived once again.
Hello David Nigel Braham, Milan Italy.
Yes: let batons rain down on their heads; this is nothing new from governments all over the world; violence is the last resort of a tired mind ‘’they say’’?
In Ireland the British did that for 700 years; it only made the Irish hate the British government even more; till in the end; the British lost.
I tend to agree with Paul, London; if nobody agrees with your arguments; they are branded anything that happens to be flavour of the month.
If you read British History; you will find that you still have a lot to learn about our leaders; and their methods of people control.
There is much still to say; but no space on this forum to say it.
In your opinion; I am wrong; that is your opinion; and I respect that.
You are free to think; thanks to those that fought for your freedom.
- Mickyinlondon, london
4,000 demonstrators in the City of London?
That's nearly as large a group as the total in the entourages of the 20 world leaders. I'd call that apathy, not rebellion.
- Martin H. Watson, Teddington
FARMERS TELL ME THEY CAN GET NO ONE OTHER THAN IMMIGRANTS TO GET THE HARVEST IN. FRIENDS IN THE HEALTH SERVICES TELL ME THEY ARE DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN CLEANERS. STRANGE THEREFORE WE HAVE SO MANY EDUCATED PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE TIME TO RIOT.
- Alan Green, Woodford Green
The police are doing a tremendous job in the face of the criminal thugs (who are in the minority) am I the only one a little bored of the moaners and whingers. If they were so smart why do they support the iditos who enjoy smashing property and creating havoc. Because this is really intelligent and will make those in real power listen !!
- As, london
Hypocrytical idiots. Don't they realise their stupid behaviour is costing millions of pounds in police resources??? They aren't doing any causes any favours. And I bet half of them are benefits lay-arounds who have nowt else to fill their day with anyway. They only hijacked this because the press kept encouraging them to do so for weeks on end!
- Jc, London
This is very sad. I hope no one from either the police or the prostesters is badly hurt.
- R. Paul, Romford, Essex
Do none of you people saying things like "let the battons rain down on their heads", "Some gun fire over the protesters heads would be appropriate" and "most of the idiots will be locked up when it comes to the May Day protests" see the hypocrisy of what you are saying?
Day after day on this website many of you complain about the promotion of Islam and Sharia law in the UK and the restrictions on freedom that it would bring and yet as soon as anyone protests or marches, you're wanting them, beaten, locked away or nearly shot.
Would you prefer it in future if any protest were carried out in the form of armed militia as in Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, India etc etc etc? I don't condone any violence but waving £10 notes at people who have lost their jobs or their money, largely because of others greed, is unsurprisingly going to inflame the situation.
Sadly, despite the fact we do have freedom of speech in this country most of you seem to want it suppressed.
- Paul, london
What sort of a country has Britain turned into when the police lose control of the streets? Where are the plastic bullets? Where are the water cannons? Where are the baton charges?
- Casper Slides, Ibiza, Spain
Do any of these deluded non-entities have any suggestions on how to help the world's ecomomy recover? Oh I know, lets ask Russell Brand... do me a favour
- Peter Blake, Stevenage UK
Nice to see the little Community Police Officers chanting loudly on this forum. They're probably the same little petals that couldn't help that drowning child because they "hadn't had the relevant Health and Safety Training".
- Thomas, London
THE PEOPLE WHO HOLD THE POWER HAVE MESSED UP BIG TIME.RIOTING WILL NOT RESOLVE ANYTHING, THE POLITICIANS NEED TO SHOW AN EXAMPLE AND RELINQUISH THEIR PERKS ,STOP THE FAT CATS
CREAMING THE MONEY AND ROLLING THEIR SLEEVES AND WORK HARD TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION
- J Windsor, LONDON ENGLAND
Stu, Beckton - It is not apparent to me what part of my post made you think that I was a protester but for what it is worth, I am not (and will not be) participating in any protests although I believe the reasons for them are generally valid.
Could I suggest therefore, that if you are going to respond to or criticise someone's post, that you read it carefully first before jumping to an incorrect conclusion.
- Cam, London, Broken Britain
I work very close to were trouble is going on.
Sorry ok some are peaceful protesters but most are bullies, fantasists and ignorant.
The behaviour has been disgraceful and those who came to protest about a great issue such as climate change have once again been overtaken by those who came only to cause trouble.
The City will continue as it has always done - we are proud that we continued through much worse times and whilst tomorrow we will come to work standing together - the trouble makers will be back at University hoping Daddy doesn't find out what they have been up to as he has a great job in the City or the others counting the days till its time to claim their benefits.
I am very proud of every City worker that came in today, the Police who are operating under impossible restrictions and the media whose coverage highlights that these protests were organised not to highlight Green issue but to cause trouble.
- Sean, London
They should be grateful they live in a country where they can 'protest'. While I don't agree with what's happened in recent months, why should the daily hard workers in the city who earn the same as most people have to suffer these 'people'? If you want to hurt the government, vote them out at the next election. The protesters should realise that the police will take no chances after the May day riots and when they have threats to public safety. If they really wanted to show how England can be great, instead of sitting in squats doing pretty collages they'd create communes where people can work the land together and do helpful needed things for the communities they surround. Or is that just too hard?
Ps, if you have nothing to hide and aren't there to cause trouble, why cover your face?
- S-M Hearmon, London, UK
I've been watching some of the 'trouble' from my office window. I work near the Bank of England. And it saddens me to say that I am seeing an awful lot of aggression coming from the Police. The protesters seem by in large hell bent on being peaceful and non confrontational, many with hands held high in the air in an attempt to show this.
Christ. I have just seen three coppers beat a man senseless and he was doing nothing.
- Simon, london
Yet again the police spend their valuable time facing violent protesters. Use the Black Watch instead.
- J Mcdougall, Edinburgh
Our Government owns the RBS. Which is the most reviled bank - the RBS.
Where is the demonstration predicted to be violent being held - The Bank of England.
Which bank has a branch opposite the Bank of England - the RBS.
Which Bank could not be bothered to board up its windows and has been trashed - the RBS.
Why is everything this Govt touches such a shambles?
- Dave, London England
Oh dear, yet again the British manage to be an utter embarrassment to the rest of the world.....
I appreciate standing up for what you believe in, but there are ways and means of doing it without trying to convince the rest of the world we are thugs over here.
- Kirsty, Southern England
Having closely monitored the antics of the police, it is wholly apparent that the police are deliberately provoking demonstrators, as usual.
Whatever happened to democracy in the UK?
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe/Lancaster
I support these protestors 100% letting the goverment know we've had enough of them abusing there powers!
- Chris Maltby, London
I have just been up to the City to see for myself and the press are over hyping the whole thing just as I suspected they would. It seem well contained by the police within the area in front of the BoE, just a few streets away you would never guess anything was happening. Yes there is a lot of noise, a lot of police, a lot of mostly peaceful protesters exercising their legal right, but sorry folks, not a lot of violence or anarchy. I don’t think that society is going to fall just yet!
- Nj, London
Tell me is Russell Brand up for having his million pound plus salary taxed at 90%??? Or was Billy Brag willing to pay 90% tax on his excessive earnings during his career?? No I dont think so....Do we abuse the footballers that get paid millions for kicking a ball around a pitch? or the actors who can get $20 million a movie??? No we don't. There is a review needed of bankers pay buy they at least earn their money alot of the time...they have not brought this country to where it is alone.
- Nicky, london
Ah, fruit and paint bombs ... Ealing comedy lives on!
- Marianne, SW France
Please don't link Obama to this chaos - it is purely and totally a Crash Creation (hopefully one of his last)
- Marianne, SW France
This is all so undignified. Can't we have a press embargo to save the rest of the world seeing our dirty washing?
- Martin H. Watson, Teddington
"City workers...waved £10 notes at them". What, not wads of it? Definitely a downturn then if they could only manage a tenner.
- Syd, East Kent UK
To Tom in Watford.
They look like alot of spoiled kids to me, who knows half may be going back home tonight, to mummy and daddy the banker.
shame they did not make it a organized march, i would of gone myself.
- Pepe The Prawn, London
It's scum bag time for the anarchists,let the battons rain down on their heads.
This is not democracy.
For Mickyinlondon,how wrong you are.
- David Nigel Braham, Milan Italy
Some gun fire over the protesters heads would be appropriate.
- Barrsy, London
Does this mean that most of the idiots will be locked up when it comes to the May Day protests too!!!!
- Vikki, Bristol
I like the way that protesters are all labelled "Anarchists". Its similar to the way that anyone who raises an issue about race being automatically branded "a BNP sympathiser".
I've been on a few marches, Poll Tax, Criminal Justice Bill, Against the war in Iraq. I've been on these marches yet i am currently sat at my computer at work in my lunch hour, but that's not to say i don't sympathise with others who have lost their jobs because of the greed of bankers and it certainly doesn't make me an anarchist.
Why is it that anyone with a viewpoint other than the status quo (the status quo being people who despite there being problems they expect others to speak up about it, whether that is a politician or a protester) is automatically branded a looney. Lord help us if there is ever a "second coming".
- Paul, london
I think Mickyinlondon is slightly scarey why dont we let the leaders get on with their job rather than all start claiming the end of the world.
- Dave, Madrid
Why aren't the activists in jobs, trying to stimulate and rebuild the economy?
Is it because they're hopeless benefits scroungers, who are a net loss to the economy to start with?
Yes, that might just be it. get jobs and start working to help the greater good, instead of cynical, look-at-me demonstrations.
- Scott, london
No, Cam, the utter joke is that because you are upset with the few top dogs in this industry who take more than they ever deserve (and who can blame you?) you have decided to disrupt an entire two days' worth of work for thousands more.
Your misguided protest is ridiculous, it has cost the taxpayer even more than the industry already has (in terms of security, policing, companies working from home and so on) and will ultimately do absolutely nothing to return this country's former pride or stability. You have achieved precisely nothing.
I say this from behind the "safety" of my PC, because I am trying to do a day's work.
- Stu, Beckton
What a mess the protest looks, why did they not instead make it a march to keep people moving.
To Cam in his broken Britain. These things do happen, decade to decade and i don't see other countries so easily put their country's down. If i find myself baking dust with abit of salt and oil or a loaf of bread costs £100 then i might call it "broken Britain"
- Pepe The Prawn, London
The government and their security forces have very little to fear from the protesters that may be out on the streets today; they are not real rebels or anarchists.
When you see real rebels out on the street; the government will fall permanently and even the SAS will not be able to help them.
Fear what you do not see; not what is there before your eyes, and easy to handle with police power over-load.
Remember this; a small band of Irishmen beat the whole British Government; several other African Nations have done the same; India did it just by sitting down and refusing to comply with their controllers etc.
You can do the same in other ways; don’t listen to them, and do not be fooled by them; you have all seen what they call democracy; and you have seen their morality; so use their own tools to wipe them out at the next election.
Ordinary people are the real power; not the small band of bent politicians that just happen to have political control at the moment.
The world could be about to change; or it could remain just the same; what happens is really down to us; not G20; and remember what we have all learned over the past year; and fight back with your brains.
The Government thinks the ordinary person is nothing to worry about; let them know just how wrong they are once again.
- Mickyinlondon, london
Why do these so called protestors attack the people who pay the taxes who pay their benefits? Bring back the SPG!
- Tom, Watford (UK)
The sponging soap dodgers have united in protest. We are all saved.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, Hants
Hey Steve of London - that's a bit harsh - don't you think the rest of the world already KNOWS what a shambles the UK is in? Crash Gordon has done his uttmost to ensure that!
Incidentally, why oh why did anyone attempt to interview Russell Brand outside the BofE? The guy can hardly string to words together, let alone two sentences!
- Jane, London
The biggest joke of this whole thing (even more so than the idiotic extreme anarchists) is all the so called 'tough' bankers who have, over the last few days, directed comments to the anarchists like 'bring it on' or 'come and get me'(from the safety of behind their PCs).
Guys, please - for the sake of what little dignity you have left, please give it a rest - you are greedy bankers not hard men and your trash talk is as laughable as it is embarassing.
- Cam, London, Broken Britain
Let the activists have their fun.Personally,I hope they cause complete chaos.
I want the rest of the world to see what a complete shambles 'Britain' is.
- Steve, London
I'm a Capitalist and proud of it. I trust these trouble making hippies will not receive their dole money this week because they didn't sign-on today.
After all, by paying my excessive taxes I have helped pay their unemployment benefit, social and medical care, etc.
- Peter M, London, UK
Hate to break it to you but the picture above called 'Protestors arriving for G20' is simply dress down workers arriving for work! I am pretty sure I recognise some of them ....
- Lee, London, London
Has anyone seen the billboard in front of Kensington Olympia? It's a £20 note that says G20 on it. Anyone know who is responsible or what it means?
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu243/sweetponds/P1000460.jpg
- Tracey Lourenco, London
The whole conference is a waste of time and money and is little more than grandstanding on the part of Gordon Brown in an attempt to look like a world leader, when his incompetence helped cause the current crisis in the first place. If the world's self regarding and mostly clueless leaders want a discussion, they could have just hired a bunch of interpreters and had a video conference at a fraction of the cost.
- Matthew Smith, London UK
What a hoot it was on the train today!
Loads of 'suits' all dressed down for the day, but all still carying their briefcases! Talk about stick out like a sore thumb. Not v. bright eh?
- Hooter, England
If the Anarchists wanted to be really anarchic they could just not turn up. That would be one in the eye for the establishment having wasted stacks of cash on hoardings and extra police.
- Jimbob, Kensington
Last night coming home i saw a policeman walking the streets, Can Obama stay a little longer ?
- Mr S.Port, London
