Spycops Inquiry: How I got a Special Branch file…
The Interim report of the first tranche of the SpyCops Inquiry was published on 29th June. It concluded that the special police units that spied on the left served no useful purpose and should have been disbanded
On the 29th November 1979 at 8-00pm I found myself, a 23-year-old socialist, in the small upstairs room of the Ship pub on Tottenham High Rd attending a pre-conference meeting of the local SWP branch. The main speaker was Steve Jeffries, then a leading member, who wanted a change in the structure of the Party.
At more than 40 years distance I can only recall the old detail. I do recall Jeffries throwing his hands in the air at one point and exclaiming ‘so the line flips again’
However the Undercover Policing Inquiry tabled a full report written by a police spy who was also present. This is likely to be ‘Colin Clark’ HN80 whose lengthy statement to the inquiry notes problems in the Haringey branch
There was a list of 14 people who attended. Its redacted now but then it was sent to Special Branch who had the habit of opening files on the individuals on such lists. I’d rather like to know what is in mine.
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