Scotland Yard Seeks Student Protest Intel From Colleges

'Counter-terrorism' officer gathers info ahead of tuition protests
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 17, 2011 3:25 AM CST
Updated Jan 17, 2011 4:15 AM CST
Scotland Yard Seeks Student Protest Intel From Colleges
British coppers arrest a protester as students demonstrate in central London last month against the government plans to axe the Education Maintenance Allowance, a grant for the poorest teenagers.   (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Big Brother is watching in Britain. Scotland Yard is contacting universities for all their intelligence concerning student protests ahead of expected demonstrations against tuition hikes and education cuts. A counter-terrorism officer has already contacted 20 London universities seeking "all pertinent" information, reports the Guardian. The email advises universities to have in place "contingency plans" against student occupations as a "renewed vigor" by student protesters could target finance departments to highlight funding cuts. Student leaders predict a "huge number of non-violent direct actions" in the coming weeks by young people "using social media for political ends," said one activist.
(More Scotland Yard stories.)

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