We continue to follow the ‘Undercover Policing Inquiry’ throughout its proceedings. You can follow too, via the links further below.
W e are starting to hear mention of ‘Rod Richardson’, the first we know to be deployed to the Sumac Centre in Nottingham, and his follow-up Mark ‘Stone’/Kennedy.
Events reported on that we supported included DSEi Arms Fair 2001 & 2003, MayDay protests, Earth First (EF!) Gatherings in N.Wales & N.Yorkshire, GM Crop decontaminations & more, including the 2005 G8 campaign at Gleneagles in Scotland & Dissent network at Stirling, where we built on the EF! camp skills later deployed at Climate Camps (& later XR). More via social.coop/@Veggies
Since 1968 police targeted a wide range of social justice and human rights campaigns. Rights were violated and lives destroyed. In 2003 these secret political police infiltrated a group of idealistic young environmental activists in Nottingham, forming sexual relationships and spying without warrant on hundreds of innocent civilians.
This scandal, dubbed ‘#Spycops’‘, is now the subject of one of the UK’s longest, deepest, most extensive and expensive ‘public’ inquiries.
During Tranche 3, Phase 2, Day 22, March 23rd we heard from life-long campaigner Emily Apple, currently working with Campaign Against the Arms Trade. Watch preview here.
This is followed Tues-Thurs by HN18 “Robert Harrison” aka Robert Hastings who spied on Palestine solidarity and others. For more details that series of hearings listen to ‘Alison’ on Woman’s Hour and see this summary from The Canary.
The Inquiry is now on break until 15th June. The schedule for ‘Tranche 4’ featuring Spycops managers will be posted at THIS NEW EVENT LISTING when available.
Like us you can follow these platforms:
Subject to availability we will sometimes follow live at Sumac Screen Room. For times of our coverage, check our commentary on Social.coop/(Mastodon). Also Veggies on Bluesky, here and ‘bridged’ here.
Evidence hearings
In phase 1 we heard 26 witnesses give oral evidence, including 3 Special Demonstration Squad (SDS) officers deployed during the period between approximately 1993 to 2007 and 2 former SDS managers. The Inquiry also heard from 21 non-state witnesses who represent groups that were infiltrated and women who were deceived.
During the course of these hearings, the Inquiry will hear evidence on topics related to undercover policing including:
- The conduct of undercover officers, including the deception of women into relationships
- The use of deceased children’s identities by undercover officers
- Decisions related to targeting and deployments into groups, including but not limited to Family Justice Campaigns, including the Stephen Lawrence Campaign
- The training and supervision provided by managers, and the extent to which they were aware of the conduct of the officers.
On Tues 16th December 2025 (day-30) we were joined for live analysis here at Sumac Centre by Kate Wilson. to follow the evidence of Mark Jenner aka ‘Mark Cassidy’, who infiltrated anti fascist groups & Colin Roach Centre between 1995 and 2000.
See Also. . .
See also DISCLOSURE: Unravelling the Spycops.
Kate Wilson’s memoir is a shocking exposé about the workings of Britain’s secret police. Much of the activity documented by Kate took place at Nottingham’s Sumac Centre. We were delighted that Kate joined us here on Sunday 1st June 2025, to tell her story and launch her book (which is available from Veggies online shop).
The new 3-part ITV documentary series ‘The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed’ premiered on Thursday 6 March at 9pm, with screenings at Sumac Screen Room.
From the moment ‘Lisa’ discovers Mark Kennedy’s passport, the
#spycops scandal starts to unravel.
See the clip of this moment
here.
Catch up with the whole series
…here…
See also spycops-undercover-policing-inquiry-2026 on the Animal Rights Calendar.
Rainbow Centre, the name ‘The Sumac Centre’ has now been adopted after a shrub in the gardens.
