Security Info - International SOS Security Information


Warning: United Kingdom

United Kingdom May 01, 2001

May Day Protests Expected

Direct Action organizations are planning a series of protests in London starting tomorrow (May 1). Police expect close to 10,000 peaceful demonstrators to march through London on May Day. But they estimate that a hard core of 1,000 people may be planning serious violence. Protesters are using a version of the Monopoly board game to plot this year's demonstration with plans for action against a wide range of commercial targets including Barclays Bank, Gap, HSBC, McDonalds and the Body Shop. Activists may attempt to "occupy" office buildings and retail outlets to disrupt normal business operations. The activists plan to stage events throughout the city in an effort to prevent police officers responding effectively. Police officials believe that some of the "hard core" activists may have been training at American locations. Up to 50 British extremists are thought to have been on courses to learn urban guerrilla tactics for causing disruption. The camps, run by the Ruckus Society, which advocates non-violent protest, show how to climb buildings and paralyze rail and road routes.

Potential target areas in London are:

West End (Including Oxford Street, Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho, Covent Garden and Aldwych)

King's Cross and Islington (including Euston, Angel, Pentonville Road)

The Eastern areas of the city (Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, Whitechapel Road)

Other areas may be affected as well.

To add to the disruption, the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) trade union announced plans today for the London Underground workers to stage strikes on May 2-3. This strike will cause the cancellation of almost all London Underground services between the afternoon of 2 May and the evening of 3 May. Rail guards are also planning strikes during this time period. The last rail strike cost the city over 100 million pounds.

SOS Comment

There is no need to postpone travel to London during this time period, however, SOS members should expect and anticipate major delays and disruption. Members are further advised to avoid large crowds, demonstrations and rallies due to the potential for violence.

Because of the rail strike, there will be increased traffic on the roads in central London on these days as commuters attempt to travel to work by car or bus. As a result, SOS members should allow additional time to complete journeys on these days. However, express train services to and from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports will not be affected.