Lee Gladstone

NOW — I am investigating the possible coordination and facilitation of far-left counter-protesters by police and local authorities during the 17th July protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping. Video evidence captured by various citizen journalists shows counter-protesters arriving and departing in police vans, with one officer referring to the vans as “the buses.” The individuals involved appeared to be affiliated with activist groups such as Stand Up To Racism and similar far-left networks. Their movement into and out of the protest site was managed separately from the main demonstrators. To determine whether there was pre-arranged coordination, logistical support, or funding from police, local councils, or third-party groups, I have submitted formal Freedom of Information requests to: - Essex Police — requesting any operational orders, internal emails, or Gold/Silver/Bronze command notes related to the policing of the protest and counter-protest activity between 1–18th July. - Essex County Council — seeking information on any involvement in transport, public safety coordination, or funding connected to the protest event. - Epping Forest District Council — requesting internal emails, correspondence with police, permit applications, and any discussions regarding the presence, transport, or stewarding of counter-protesters. I have also written directly to the Essex Police press office and contacted local councillors to obtain further comment. The central question is whether local authorities or police facilitated the organisation, transport, or protection of one side of a politically contentious protest. If public resources or political coordination were involved, the public has a right to know. I am continuing to pursue this line of inquiry and will release findings in due course. If you have internal documents, video evidence, or local knowledge relating to the events of 17th July, contact me securely via my proton email (linktree).