Nuclear Information Service (NIS) has written to the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police to complain about police surveillance of guests attending a recent screening of the documentary film 'Countdown to Zero' organised by NIS.

A number of guests attending the screening – which was introduced by the Mayor of Reading - complained that two police officers were loitering outside the RISC Centre in Reading, where the screening took place, and taking notes about individuals entering the building, including writing down car registration numbers of guests.

Peter Burt of the Nuclear Information Service said:

“We were disappointed that the police turned out to spoil what was a perfectly lawful event.  NIS's role is educating and informing, and we are not a campaign organisation.  The event had no protest theme whatsoever to justify the presence of the police.  

“Police surveillance and intimidation of those involved in non-violent political activity is a hallmark of totalitarian regimes and should never have any place in policing in this country.  I have written to the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police to ask her to investigate the matter and apologise to the Mayor and our other guests”.

To read our letter to the Chief Constable click on the link below.