Episode 6: Security Forces & Top of the Pops
Episode 6 starts off at the Oxford Central Conservative Club where we are introduced to Sir George Young, the then Secretary of State for Transport. It’s fair to say that the grassroots activists made their feelings and the facts known to Mr Young, but it appears that he would rather do a runner than engage them in conversation.
The security guards are also serenaded with an acoustic performance before the activists spend some time reflecting upon the day to day reality for the security guards themselves. Many of which would have wished to have been anywhere but Newbury and having to carry out the roles they did. Julian Cope also makes an appearance, helping to take the campaign all the way to Top of Pops.
The episode draws to a close by taking us to the National Rally at Snellsmore Common where we learn about how important Friends of the Earth were to the campaign, particularly in terms of getting it into the wider public consciousness through the media.
The episode ends with a reminder of how the government is quite willing to use different spy units against its citizens when they take a position and action on policy which is juxtaposed to that of the establishment.