The countries first ever heritage protest camp in Central Oxford was finally evicted last Friday evening after 60 hours and 17 arrests. The plans by Oxford University were never open to public consultation, and fly in the face of over 10,000 protest signatures. Damage was also done to the listed building - one copper even falling through the roof. Thanks to widespread press coverage, the whole of the County has seen Oxford University run riot over the Gateway to Oxford. Whilst they are in that check then people like the benefits agency will speak to the occupants.
Nobody can make anyone speak to the benefits agency.
This surveillance swoop is the latest in a series of UK operations led by local forces. Privacy International say Operation Mermaid is in clear breach of the privacy provisions in the European Convention on Human Rights. It also breaches several principles of the U.K.'s Data Protection Act. Remember - you don't have to answer any questions put by police or government officials. You don't have to provide documentation of any description to benefits agency officials.