We note the resolution from the London Transport Regional Council and wholeheartedly agree that the arrest by BTP of Mark Harding, the RMT Branch Secretary of Hammersmith & City Branch was a travesty of civil of liberties. Bro Harding was arrested despite only carrying out legitimate trade union activities whilst on the picket line outside his place of work. We agree that his detention for nearly 13 hours and the draconian bail conditions imposed were extreme to say the least.

This General Grades Committee also condemns the charge brought against Mark under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which we believe is an attempt to criminalise Bro Harding for his TU activities.

We instruct the General Secretary to continue to provide Mark with the best legal advice and representation possible. We also instruct the General Secretary to write to the head of the BTP in order to protest about the harassment, arrest and detention of Mark in the manner that took place. Further, we instruct the General Secretary to raise the matter with the TUC, to highlight this use of TULRA against one of our members as a pernicious attempt to of criminalise trade union activity, dissent and the right to protest.

The General Grades committee will stand by all our representatives, activists and members who face similar threats either by the BTP or the employer for carrying out lawful, legitimate and rightful trade union activity. We will use all means at our disposal to defend Bro Harding, including balloting our members for industrial action if necessary.

London Transport Regional Council and branches to be advised.