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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To feel uncomfortable at the way Liz Truss had the green peace peace protesters removed during her speech?

39 replies

Chloefairydust · 05/10/2022 20:40

Now I don’t know a lot about politics, however saw part of the speech on the news today, and I just found the way those green peace protesters were dragged away made me feel really uncomfortable. They seemed to be just holding up a poster in a peaceful way, but the retaliation seemed quite violent. Surely that reaction wasn’t necessary?

Are people not allowed to peacefully protest or have free speech?

OP posts:
Original poster
Chloefairydust · 05/10/2022 20:40

Sorry about the typo in the title 😬

OP posts:
Iflyaway · 05/10/2022 20:43

Totally agree with you OP.

SavoirFlair · 05/10/2022 20:45

You’re making some weird assumption that because Liz Truss was speaking, and she’s the party leader, that she is like a medieval queen who rules by a look or silent decree

those at fault would be

• party organisers and the security
• the delegate who took it upon himself to reach out and rip the Greenpeace protester’s pass and lanyard from her neck

RoseAndRose · 05/10/2022 20:46

Security remove protesters regardless of who is speaking.

Not just at party conferences either

Greenshake · 05/10/2022 20:48

This appeared fairly standard practice to me.

Original poster
Chloefairydust · 05/10/2022 20:48

SavoirFlair · 05/10/2022 20:45

You’re making some weird assumption that because Liz Truss was speaking, and she’s the party leader, that she is like a medieval queen who rules by a look or silent decree

those at fault would be

• party organisers and the security
• the delegate who took it upon himself to reach out and rip the Greenpeace protester’s pass and lanyard from her neck

I think the news reporter said Liz could be heard saying ‘have them removed’

OP posts:
MissCordeliaPreston · 05/10/2022 20:57

I agree. They stood up holding signs. There was no aggression, no disruption, no noise.

Isitsixoclockalready · 05/10/2022 21:00

Chloefairydust · 05/10/2022 20:48

I think the news reporter said Liz could be heard saying ‘have them removed’

Show quote history

Probably trying to give herself a tough image - TBF she's probably pretty desperate for anything at the moment.

KingCharlespen · 05/10/2022 21:03

I'd imagine they're quite happy with the exposure they got, it's what they came for after all.
The way the lanyard was snapped from that woman's neck was pretty awful, it was a security breach which shouldn't have happened but if I was one of the protesters I'd be delighted with the coverage.

Clavinova · 05/10/2022 21:03

There was no disruption, no noise

The protesters were quite clearly calling out in the clip I saw.

Helloguvnor · 05/10/2022 21:04

They're not just holding up a sign though. They're also shouting. It's not obvious on the TV because they haven't got microphones and are quickly shouted down, but watch the clip on the BBC website and it's clear they're shouting. What other option is there other than removing them?

elastamum · 05/10/2022 21:05

It wasn't a security breach. Pretty sure that Greenpeace will have had access to the conference. She was their public affairs director.

MarshaBradyo · 05/10/2022 21:05

MissCordeliaPreston · 05/10/2022 20:57

I agree. They stood up holding signs. There was no aggression, no disruption, no noise.

I listened to it rather than watched and there was disruption and calling out etc as I wondered what was going on

TraceyGerbil · 05/10/2022 21:07

YABU. She should have got her former lover to do it for her.

MaryTruss · 05/10/2022 21:08

TraceyGerbil · 05/10/2022 21:07

YABU. She should have got her former lover to do it for her.

Which one?

sashagabadon · 05/10/2022 21:09

Of course they should be removed! She handled it v well imo

Henowner · 05/10/2022 21:09

She is a massive supporter of fracking

alwayshavebeenfemale · 05/10/2022 21:17

I tweeted straight away as I was horrified. The hatred in the men's face that were grabbing the signs. The one behind them smirked and sought permission from the older guy before he grabbed the second sign. I thought the security guys were reasonable. But then one of the organisers snatched their IDs aggressively from their necks - no need to do that!
Yes considering Liz had said she wanted women to feel safe she was certainly happy to see those two treated badly by Tory's-not security!

Clavinova · 05/10/2022 21:18

Several radio presenters mentioned Walter Wolfgang today - the 82 year old who was ejected from Labour's conference in 2005 for shouting "Nonsense". He was detained under Section 44 of the 2000 Terrorism Act -

www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2019/06/02/walter-wolfgang-peace-activist-refugee-nazis-pensioner-ejected/

juggleit · 05/10/2022 21:21

Fracking is the way forward if we don’t want to be personally bankrupt due to extortionate energy bills.

Blossomtoes · 05/10/2022 21:26

Clavinova · 05/10/2022 21:18

Several radio presenters mentioned Walter Wolfgang today - the 82 year old who was ejected from Labour's conference in 2005 for shouting "Nonsense". He was detained under Section 44 of the 2000 Terrorism Act -

www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2019/06/02/walter-wolfgang-peace-activist-refugee-nazis-pensioner-ejected/

But Jeremy Corbyn … Aren’t you tired of it yet Clav?

They ejected a Financial Times photographer today too. And threatened to boot Nick Robinson out for asking Braverman an awkward question yesterday.

VegMam · 05/10/2022 21:29

I’m concerned about the UK’s treatment of peaceful protesters. I’m also hugely concerned about Truss’ oil and gas plans; devastating for our children.

SammyScrounge · 05/10/2022 21:34

Clavinova · 05/10/2022 21:03

There was no disruption, no noise

The protesters were quite clearly calling out in the clip I saw.

Yes, they were. Loud and obnoxious. If they get away with that we'd never get to hear what anyone says except shrill little screamers who have managed to memorise a slogan.

AllyCatTown · 05/10/2022 21:34

Clavinova · 05/10/2022 21:18

Several radio presenters mentioned Walter Wolfgang today - the 82 year old who was ejected from Labour's conference in 2005 for shouting "Nonsense". He was detained under Section 44 of the 2000 Terrorism Act -

www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2019/06/02/walter-wolfgang-peace-activist-refugee-nazis-pensioner-ejected/

Several conservative leaning presenters I’m sure.

BonesOfWhatYouBelieve · 05/10/2022 21:42

Im no fan of Liz Truss, but the protesters were shouting during her speech - I imagine they were fully expecting to be removed. It seemed completely normal practice to me.