Dale Farm Eviction: A Peaceful Close?

These were the headlines in the past 24 hours covering the Dale Farm eviction


Police make 34 arrests after violent clashes
5 supporters mount roof top of building in protest
Travellers: "there is no more to be done"

and then:
Dale Farm eviction comes to a peaceful close.

Here are there own reports:

The use of Taser is at the crux of a debate in today's papers about the level of police force used.

The Guardian describes a protester "writhing on the floor" due to the Taser, and says the "force and efficiency of police left many in shock."

Similarly, the Independent's front page picture reads "Dale Farm burns - but police fight fire with fire". Inside, they quote the law reform group Justice, who "expressed concern at the use of the weapons".

The Times , meanwhile, says Dale Farm's end was "swift, clinical and violent". It says the use of Tasers prompts accusations of a breach of guidelines, which say "electric shocks should not be used as crowd control". But its leading article is also quick to credit Essex Police for "minimising conflict".

09.43  The police have confirmed that a Taser was used on one man yesterday by officers "who were faced with a serious level of violence". After the Taser was used, "the man disappeared in to the crowd".

(emphasis mine)

Please note the difference in what the witness reported about the use of the taser and what the police said.

And what is to happen to these people after the eviction?

Much of the debate around the Dale Farm eviction hinges on the issue of post-eviction housing. Basildon Council claims it has gone to extensive lengths to find council accommodation for the travellers, while the travellers say these offers have been risible.

The Independent are running a piece about Michelle Fox , who has four children and has lived at Dale Farm for 10 years. She says the best offer she received was not of accommodation in a house, but in a hostel.

We know from reports yesterday that buildings were broken into by police, buildings that were protected under court order. We know that people were injured, that police used weapons, and yet....the Dale Farm eviction came to "a peaceful close." Good for you, England. Citizens may sleep peacefully tonight knowing their government used millions of tax dollars to evict and leave homeless almost 400 people.