From: xxxxxxxxx
Sent: 23 March 2009 21:23
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: G20 Summit – Potential BovverAll,
We have been informed that there will be organised protests in central London next Wednesday 1st April against the G20 economic summit. The action may also continue during the summit on 2nd April.
A high police presence will mean much of central London will be closed off to prevent protesters from reaching the City and Bank’s offices – their principal targets.
As there may therefore be some ‘spillage’ into xxxxxx, it is appropriate that we consider some simple precautionary measures to take ourselves on 1st April (and possibly 2nd April too):– Try to avoid the need to traverse central London by foot or taxi
– Try to discourage any need for clients or suppliers to visit the office on those days
– Avoid wearing a suit / tie or blatantly displaying business equipment (laptops, mobiles etc) when in town if at all possible
– Keep the shutters, doors and windows of the office closed throughout the day, and do not ‘buzz’ anyone in through the main door without first meeting them at the door and confirming the validity of their visit
– Avoid leaving any rubbish bags, bikes, or any other loose materials (bricks, knives etc) outside of the office perimeter.Of course with sensitive policing (ahem..) it may all amount to nothing, but better to be prepared.
Finally, you may be aware that this Saturday 28th March sees the 2009 ‘Earth Hour’ – details at http://www.earthhour.org/about/
Unfortunately this otherwise entirely peaceful demonstration has G20 protestors threatening damage to any properties in London displaying lights between 8.30PM to 9.30PM on 28/3.
Again, please ensure if you are working in the office over the weekend that it is left secure, alarmed, and with any lights off so as to avoid unnecessary attention(- please confirm with cleaners too).
Please let us know if you need further clarification.
Regards,
OH Update: Full timetable here
My favourite bit:
But Billy Bragg, the singer, who will perform at the rally outside the Bank of England, said: “The City of London has been playing fast and loose with people’s pensions and the time for a light touch has passed.
“There will be a lot of people out there for whom this is the first opportunity to express their anger and look for another way of doing things. The anti-globalisation movement last time was doing it in the teeth of a boom. Now capitalism has foundered and people want an alternative to what we’ve had.”