“I stood in front of the parliament building every lunch hour and asked people, ‘Can you tell me what has happened in this country? Do you have any idea what we can do’?”
Singer-songwriter, poet and gay rights activist Hordur Torfason turns 70 this year. He remembers how Iceland’s “pots and pans revolution” started from small beginnings just days after the government stepped in and nationalised the country’s three biggest banks in October 2008. As the stock market plummeted so did people’s trust in the government. The country’s banking bubble had burst, unemployment had tripled and Torfason recalls rumours that the supermarkets might run out of food.
What started out as daily conversations with ordinary people quickly turned into weekly demonstrations involving thousands. And after five months of escalation, the protesters’ demands were met: the government, the head of the Central Bank and the director of the Financial Supervisory Authority all resigned.
The protests gave the incoming left-leaning coalition government the political space in which to set up an investigations office with the power to prosecute bankers and government officials. This ultimately resulted in the country’s top bankers being charged with crimes such as insider trading and market manipulation and being sent to prison for terms of up to five-and-a-half years.
Protesters gathered outside parliament during National Day celebrations on 15 June (Corbis) The country’s national court was less harsh on the prime minister, Geir Haarde, who was simply found guilty of neglecting to hold special cabinet meetings to address a crisis that many could see coming.
Whether nationalising banks, jailing bankers, imposing controls on the movement of capital out of the country or holding two national referendums on whether or not to pay back foreign debtors, Iceland’s response to their devastating financial crash bucked all trends. Yet, six years later, the approach seems to have been a resounding success. In March, the IMF praised Iceland for being “one of the top economic performers in Europe over the past several years in terms of economic growth [with] one of the lowest unemployment rates”, and for being on course to pay back its IMF loans early.
Council blocks Little Plumpton fracking application
An application to start fracking at a site on the Fylde coast in Lancashire has been rejected by councillors.
Energy firm Cuadrilla wanted to extract shale gas at the Little Plumpton site between Preston and Blackpool.
Lancashire County Council rejected the bid on the grounds of "unacceptable noise impact" and the "adverse urbanising effect on the landscape".
Cuadrilla said it was "surprised and disappointed" and would consider its "options" regarding an appeal.
A spokesman added: "We remain committed to the responsible exploration of the huge quantity of natural gas locked up in the shale rock deep underneath Lancashire."
'Triumph for democracy'
The Little Plumpton bid had been recommended for approval by the county council's planning officials, subject to working hours, noise control and highway matters.
But councillors rejected the advice and voted 10-4 to refuse the application.
Phoenix on BBC Radio Surrey 8am this Morning Live, raising issues of Civil liberties and Land rights - Great interview 3 mins Network it #onn #olsx #radicalassembly #occupydemocracy #commons
My Notes before the interview (photo below) managed to get 90% out (except crossed over stuff) as well as Laspo act removing Legal aid therefore Rights to a Fair Trial, The criminalisation of residential squatting.
Also Extraordinary Rendition removal of Habeous Corpus Rights to a Fair Trial.
This case and the village is going to raise major issues of Constitutional Law, our rights to subsist,(to stand firm and sustain yourself) from the forest and wasteland.Granted by the Forest Charter,common and Natural law.
The Earth is a Commonwealth for all,and if we as a species are to survive we need to share out the resources in a fairer and sustainable way.
The real meaning of 'Jubilee" from the Bible was that there was a sharing out of land and wealth every 5o years to prevent the massive inequalities and social unrest we see now.
There are millions of acres of disused land in this country,why import apples from New Zealand and S.Africa when we can grow them in surrey,Kent or your own back yard,rooftop oron some disused wasteland.
0.68% owns nearly 70% of the land,we have a similar land distribution to Norman times,only Brazil has a worse distribution of land ratio.
If u have land you would like to share for permaculture,eco village or growing projects get in touch.
Operation green up the planet is on,lets go incredible edible and think global by planting local.
REMEMBER if u like the blog and our relentless campaigning for a sustainable Future hit the DONATE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT.The cause is running on thin air any donation gratefully appreciated.
I wrote two books about living Off the Grid (Penguin 2010 and Bantam 2008). My most recent documentary series was a two part for BBC World titled "Inside the World of China's Super-Rich."
I want to make a film about how and why people choose to live off grid when they could be in the comfort of an air-conditioned home. But TV does not want films which both portray this new lifestyle and challenge our preconceptions about property ownership . TV wants primped and preened "perfect families" or else dumbass survivalists to be mocked in a reality series.
You can help make a film which is both passionate about our Civil liberties and highly informative about exactly how to live off the grid in comfort and style.
I have chosen to focus on the Runnymede Eco-Village because they have been around for several years, and are a successful, vibrant, growing community.
Noam Chomsky has endorsed the Village, and this project, in the trailer you can see on Vimeo
And by juxtaposing their story with the 800th Magna Carta anniversary, we raise issues about personal freedom and society's wariness about a lifestyle that harms no-one and can only help our planet, and our civilisation survive.
The Village has already had a lot of media coverage - but nobody has told the story from the inside over an extended period of time, with key interviews from all the players including local History professor Justin Champion, one of the world's leading experts on the Magna Carta.
Until now, the many hours of filming to capture life inside the Eco-Village has been done for a few hundred pounds. But we need the money to pay for an experienced crew and good equipment for a few days, and above all an experienced editor who can take the material and help shape it into a compelling film
Then there is music and final production quality checks before the film can be released and marketed at festivals.
I will not be taking a penny myself, but the professionals whose skills are needed do need to be paid a market rate.
As well as knowing you helped make the film and receiving a copy yourself, you can donate enough for an on-screen credit, producer status, and in case of larger donors, if you are interested I will give you a personal tour of this eco-village and/or others like it.
If we do not reach our entire goal, we will simply do the best we can on the budget we achieve.
Telling a global audience that they too can leave clean, green lives, at low cost and free - outside the system
I expect to release this film by September 2015:
It will provide an inspiration for similar projects around the world
And be a reference point for techniques and social organisation
On our Youtube site you can see over 90 short film made with off-gridders around the world (youtube.com/offgridnick)
Now please help us make a long film that covers the world in more detail
They may be evicted before filming finishes
Court proceedings have started, and the eco-village might be short-lived, but its residents will scatter across the UK and Europe, starting other communities.
We are already filming at several other communities. So even if we have to go elsewhere to finish the film, your funding will enable us to do so.
I have been an award-winning documentary maker for 20 years and I always finish the projects I start.
I hope you can join the quest
Even if you cannot donate right now
Please send us your own videos of off-grid communities
Please get the word out and make some noise about our campaign.
Runnymede eco-village get stay of execution in eviction proceedings so High Court can consider whether they were given an adequate hearing in “exceptional case”
Notorious bailiffs for luxury property developers arrive on site but told to stand down
Judge describes the case as “exceptional” due to its location and history, noting significance of “competing” interests
Villagers appeals to Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest may not have been adequately addressed by lower court
Residents of the Runnymede eco-village are celebrating after the High Court in London granted them a stay of execution in possession proceedings (Tuesday 23rd June) sought by Orchid Runnymede Limited who want to develop the land with the Royalton Group for the elite property market [1].
Mr Justice Knowles prevented Orchid Runnymede’s enforcement of a summary order of possession and directed them to immediately stand down bailiffs who had arrived at the village prior to the hearing. The villagers, many of whom had stayed at the eco-village to hold off the bailiffs had feared a Dale Farm-style clearance by the contracted bailiffs company Constant & Co [2]. The judge questioned the need for a forthwith order and this is a matter that the villagers will raise at the appeal hearing, given the families and livestock on the land.
Mr Justice Knowles ruled the stay of execution was necessary so the Court of Appeal could properly assess whether the eco-village residents were given a full and fair hearing in Guildford County Court on 15th June – the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta [3]. The villagers’ case included assertions of rights under the Magna Carta, its companion Charter of the Forest and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Mr Justice Knowles recognised the powerful symbolism of the competing interests in this “exceptional” case when he ruled:
“Given the exceptional location and the history associated with [Runnymede & Coppers Hill Coppice], and the competing and directly differing interests – one seeking possession of ancient forest [for private development] the other side seeking to remain on a site occupied for three years [and to continue to subsist in common from the land].”
In granting an adjournment, Mr Justice Knowles accepted that many matters previously raised by the applicants might not of been dealt with adequately by the lower Court, or dealt with in an insufficient manner, and directed an adjournment so this could be established .
“One of the criticisms of the applicants was although the judge dealt with some issues, such as licensing matters, other issues were dealt with either not at all, or hardly at all. ”
A note of the hearing has been included as an Appendix to this press release.
Barrister Michael Paget acting for one of the appellants said:
“It is surprising that where there has been a long-term peaceful occupation of a unique site that the judge decided not to consider the human rights arguments beyond a summary assessment.”
The judgment potentially reopens the legal question of whether commoners should have the right to subsist on disused land as provided for by the Magna Carta’s companion Charter of the Forest, as well as natural and common law rights to live on the land.
One of the appellants, Pete Phoenix said:
“Today was a major victory for civil liberties and land rights, opening the discussion over access to land to enable people to live in a low-impact, sustainable and off-grid way.”
Julie Timbrell of New Putney Debates and Occupy Democracy, groups who are among those helping the villagers with their legal case, said:
“The Villagers sense of the lower court judgment was that property rights trumped all other rights. But villagers contended that this is wrong in principle and that the judge failed to address properly the villagers’ right to sustain themselves in the common realm, to live on waste land and to feed and house themselves through their own efforts, in community. Villagers pointed out that the Charter of the Forest, the companion to the Magna Carta, gave these rights”
Notes:
1. Orchid Runnymede Limited are registered offshore and their development agent is luxury property developers Art Estates who are part of the Royalton Group. According to the Art Estates website [http://www.artestates.co.uk/magna-carta-park/] the development will provide “grand living” at “an aspirational address … set in 67 acres of beautiful parkland … with close proximity to Windsor Great Park [and] Royal Ascot.”
5 For background on the Charter of the Forest & Magna Carta please see this video by “The Magna Carta Manifesto” author Peter Linebaugh. The video was recorded as a message to Runnymede eco-villlage for the Festival of Democracy on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta on 15 June 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn60cAr4n4I&feature=player_embedded
Runnymede Eco village granted Appeal Yesssssss victory to the people judge grants an appeal hearing which could be heard in few months.also granted stay of execution of the bailiffs love n resistance phoenix
Hi folks Campaigning costs,if you want to support the cause then click on the Donate button on right column of this blog.
Campaigning for land rights and civil liberties costs, travel,phone bills, photocopying, faxing, petrol,printing, food etc etc
If anyone out there from USA to S.Korea who reads this blog can help, then donate and do so.
The Phoenix networking machine is running on thin air and magic.
Anything will help £1,£5,£50 or £100 or more, it all helps the cause.
All funds gratefully accepted and will be worked to the max to help people and planet.
Ideally longer term we would like to raise £ 3-400, to pay off my phone contract for unltd Data ,and be able to live stream the actions and adventures of the Phoenix Rainbow Rollercoaster,freedom train campaigning for the rights and liberties of all. To live sustainably on this planet,to share the common wealth of all.
IF u want to help now is the time.Now is the moment of power.Hit the donate button and send me an email to Phoenixrainbow23@gmail.com to say what and why you've donated.
Many thanks to the abundant universe.Love resistance and sustainability Phoenix
Eco-warriors facing eviction from their squatters camp at Runnymede in Surrey are calling on landowners with spare ground to put them up as they prepare to leave the woods and set up a string of similar communities across the region.
The community set up camp in disused woodland near Egham three years ago, a short distance from where King John sealed Magna Carta in 1215. It has since grown into an “eco-village” with about 30 long-term members and up to 20 visitors at any one time.
But the group, an offshoot of the Occupy London movement that set up camp outside St Paul’s Cathedral in 2011, looks likely to be disbanded following a court eviction battle due next month. The prospect of moving has given them the idea of setting up new communities.
“Why not have a chain of eco-villages around the M25?” said (Uncle) Vinny, Runnymede’s unofficial 48-year-old leader, who joined the community shortly after it was set up. Before that he had taught English to refugees on the Burmese/Thai border.
“We’re looking for other land – so if rich landowners are willing to donate to us we are all ears, even if we don’t end up getting evicted from here,” he added.
Vinny says that the community has looked after the land, taking overgrown and litter-strewn woodland and regenerating it. The community has taken in people lost in society, counselled teenagers angry at their parents, taught German to GCSE pupils and fed locals from their food supplies – which are grown, foraged and scavenged from supermarket bins.
“We can take what we’ve learnt and do it even better next time,” said 31-year-old Andrea Gomez, a Portugese guitar teacher who came to the UK 12 years ago to study music at Thames Valley University in London.
“If we could set up more of these communities it would take pressure off cities. It would reduce pollution, we could plant trees and re-introduce native species – using disused land could be part of the solution to overcrowding,” added Ms Gomez, who finished her house a week before receiving an eviction notice. Ms Gomez built her house from fallen trees, wooden pallets, scrap from skips and cob – a mixture of sand, clay and straw.
“It took me nine months but at least I got it done before the eviction and I’ve got some nice photos. But it’s never completely finished, I’m still constantly changing things,” she said. The landowner, property developer Orchid Runnymede, says the village needs to go because they are about to start building on an adjoining site. Sitting round a campfire, the group believe their kind of alternative lifestyle is becoming increasingly attractive in the wake of soaring living costs and austerity cuts.
“It’s amazing how far £20 can go here, but it wouldn’t go anywhere in the city,” said Joe, who has lived in the community for eight months.
“You see yourself develop. When I came here I was shy, but now I am more confident with people. I feel like part of a big family,” he added.
Sitting next to Joe is his friend Jedi. “I feel like a millionaire when I wake up in the morning. I’m in control of what I want to do, I can decide what I want to create. There are always structures to be built, whether it’s a music stage or toilets,” Jedi said.
“What prospects are there for young people in the system? It’s not new for young men to go into the woods to make a life if the system gets bad enough – it happened in the depression,” Jedi added.
Most members of the camp suspect that they would be unwelcome at celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta in Runnymede in June that will see the Queen and thousands of dignitaries gather by the River Thames just down the road.
“We’re too frontline – living the alternative lifestyle that is an embarrassment to the system – why would they want commoners when there are 7,000 dignitaries there?” said Vinny.
Peter wood ex direct line insurance,massive bonus CEO,Sean mark Burroughs, Kenneth Richard Parker,all CEOs of Royalton
Group which claims to own land under Runnymede Eco village.
Question does Royalton pay uk tax.
Isle of Man n Dublin cos house,tax avoidance or evasion.Dig Deeper please Royalton owns art estates n links orchid Runnymede private owners who took public land left for education by covenant as place of education for the nation answers in a post card or email. LOL
Runnymede Eco village in historic appeal case over Magna Carta n forest charter rights at high courts of justice Strand court 37 west green building tues 23rd June new time 11.30am raising constitutional issues of habeous corpus vs rendition,civil liberties and access to land network it www.phoenixrainbow23.blogspot.co.uk or www.runnymede.community
