Mel Broughton
Mel Broughton (A3892AE) **Updated 17th July 2010**
On 13th July, at his re-trial, Mel was found guilty of conspiracy to commit arson. He is currently in Bullingdon prison, but may be moved. He has to serve the remainder of his 10 year sentenced, passed in February 2009.
Mel Broughton A3892AE, HMP Bullingdon, PO Box 50, Bicester, Oxon. OX25 1WD
Can send cheques/postal orders made out to ‘The Governor’. Stamps (maximum 12), stationary, SAE’s. ‘Email a prisoner’ is in place at this prison. For more details see www.emailaprisoner.com
Mel was remanded on 14 December 2007 and was sentenced on 13th February 2009 to 10 years for animal rights related offences against Oxford University animal lab.
Birthday: 5th July
Thoughts from Mel, 23rd March 2010
I read several articles recently about the Swiss animal – rights lawyer, Antoine Goetschel, and amid the usual derogatory and sneering intellectualism of our so-called ‘intelligent’ press, was truth writ large. Goetschel is a public prosecutor who deals with cases involving animals. At the end of an article about him and his work as an animal rights lawyer he made the following observation: “You (UK) may have your famous RSPCA but the organisation has no real bite, it’s all about people in nice uniforms,” he said. “ With a noble tradition like that, I am astonished that the UK does not have its own animal -rights lawyers already.” – quite so!
It’s not really any surprise when you consider the factional nature of the UK animal protection movement. With a plethora of groups, organisations, campaigns and charities all pertaining to speak for abused animals, how can you have a coherent movement? Talk of unity seems a bit pointless when those calling for it have failed to seriously consider what it is the movement is actually trying to achieve – and yet, is it so difficult to agree a formula of words that can represent the aims of the majority of campaigners? I would suggest that not only is it desirable, but probably essential if we are to achieve real change for animals. No social/political movement in history has attempted or achieved its goal without such a framework.
The historical works of philosophers and the increasing body of scientific evidence for sentience and emotion in non-humans has surely given us enough intellectual ammunition to create a binding declaration that can act as a focus for all those involved in animal protection.
I would argue that such a declaration must encompass some basic rights for animals, but the very mention of the words ‘rights’ and ‘animal’ in the same sentence seems to paralyse some animal advocates into a state of ‘irrational’ fear. I doubt it’s because they can’t envisage a perfectly rational framework for a broad based declaration that can help focus minds on the institutional exploitation of animals. It seems more pertinent to address the real reason why an agreement on such a focus is difficult to achieve. Is it that, in the face of a political, legal and media assault on the animal rights movement, too many are looking for an easier campaigning option? In some respects this is understandable. It can get very uncomfortable and unsettling to be on the receiving end of the type of politically motivated policing that many activists face as they pursue their completely legitimate campaigns. However, as difficult as the latest politically motivated ‘clamp-down’ has been (and it is without doubt the most serious and sustained to date), it should not be allowed to dictate or manipulate the perfectly rational and just goal for a significant change in the legal status of non-humans.
I don’t want to get into a philosophical debate about animal rights v animal welfare. Such arguments have been, and are being made by those far more qualified than I am. However, it is more important now, than it has ever been before, to reach a consensus. Not one that demands we all suddenly have a big group hug and declare a universal sister and brotherhood, but a consensus that there are some fundamental principles on which we all agree. I would argue that any agreement must contain a commitment to recognise that some basic rights for animals is part of the language of all campaigners.
At this point it is worth commenting on the emergence of pro-animal political parties. In my opinion they have acted at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons.
To simply act in reaction to something is seldom a good idea. It’s difficult to escape the feeling that this is what the motivation for some pro-animal political initiatives have been – a reaction, not a strategic move to put animals in the political spotlight. I’m not saying there isn’t a time and place for pro-animal political parties, there most definitely is. A better future for animals can only be lastingly achieved through political and legal acceptance, but we’re still some way from that point and there is still much work to be done on the ground before we get there.
The grass roots animal-rights movement has achieved a great deal in raising the profile of animal abuse. The commitment and dogged determination of ordinary people who take the message to the public via demonstrations, stalls, pickets and educational talks has raised awareness where it otherwise would never have happened. In order for all this work to come together for lasting political and legal change there must be some shared aims across organisations and campaigns. As things stand, too many diverse campaigns are making it easier for the animal exploitation industries, and harder for the animals and the activists that campaign on their behalf.
A chapter in the story of the struggle for animal rights is closing and a new one is beginning. I would like to suggest that the next chapter begins with a clear sight of some agreed goals and that an agreed definition of those aims can give a focus to all campaigners.
The lessons of history are clear. All movements for social and political change must have the framework of some agreed principles and goals. Without them you run the serious risk of becoming irrelevant or a talking shop. Of course, for animal rights campaigners it’s frustrating and disheartening, but for the animals it’s a matter of life and death.
Letter from Mel, 21st October 2009
Dear All,
Not too much has changed for me since my last letter. I have now started on my Open University course and have also undertaken an A-level in Critical Thinking. One of the important elements when you’re in high security facilities like Frankland is making sure you keep your mind active. These are very sterile environments where virtually no other interlopers from the natural world are encountered, but sometimes at night I can hear migrating birds call as they pass over. It’s a nice reminder that in the real world these creatures have no time for the obsessive rules of men.
At the time of writing I continue to await news of my appeal date. The wheels of justice do turn incredibly slowly and patience is a virtue you get plenty of practice at. I would like to thank everyone who continues to write to me. It really doesn’t matter how mundane the news, it’s just knowing that someone you may never have met has connected with your situation and has taken the time to write to you.
There really isn’t much that I can say about my day to day life here that wouldn’t bore the pants off the most indulgent listener. I endeavour to make the most of my time by reading and learning as much as I can. I continue to feel as I have always felt. No matter how negative an experience or situation may be there is always an opportunity to develop yourself.
It’s good to hear that ordinary people continue to speak out and demonstrate on behalf of the voiceless. At a time when protest of any nature is increasingly demonised and legislated against it becomes more crucial than ever to speak out. For abused and exploited animals those voices are, more often than not, all they have.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you all.
Mel
Letter from Mel, 21st August 2009
Dear All
I’ve been at HMP Frankland since the beginning of June and have settled in o.k. I came here from Woodhill as a Category A prisoner, but at the start of my third week was downgraded to Cat.B.
The immediate big difference was the improvement in the food, after 18 months of what, at times, was a very poor vegan diet at Woodhill, Frankland was a big improvement. This was in no small part down to a very good S.O. in the kitchens, and the professional approach taken by the VPSG. Here at Frankland, the No.1 choice on the menu is Vegan, those who fail to opt for one of the other choices are automatically given a vegan meal. I haven’t heard anybody complain if they forget to fill out their menu sheet and are given the vegan option.
I am now employed full time in the Computer Workshop and in the last couple of weeks I’ve done a couple of short summer courses run by the Education dept. Last week I did a course on Human Rights, their history and current status. The course included examples of Human Rights abuses in Burma, and the development of the Civil Rights movement in America. I very much hope that one day students will study the demise of the mass exploitation and abuse of animals, as they now study the fall of Communism and the Berlin Wall.
I have recently been granted permission to order footwear from ‘Vegetarian Shoes’ and toiletries from ‘Honesty’, these small steps are very important for raising the issue of one’s right to pursue an ethical lifestyle, even whilst imprisoned…..It has always concerned me greatly that religious/faith considerations are given a greater degree of respect than is given to those trying to maintain their ethical standards in prison, but with the almost daily drip, drip of news stories concerning the devastating effects that society’s rapacious meat-eating diet is having on the global environment – perhaps that is all about to change.
The latest news I have is the receipt of a letter from the Criminal Appeals Office informing me that a single judge has granted leave to appeal against conviction, at the moment I am not sure when the hearing will be, as it’s subject to a number of factors.
I have now been in prison for 20 months, and in that time experienced a range of emotions. Up to now I have spent all my time in High Security establishments, and I can assure you that it’s no holiday camp: but as with all experiences in life, the positives are there to learn from, if you have a mind to.
Finally I must say a big thank you to everyone who has written, and continues to write to me. I endeavour to reply to all your letters even if, at times, it can take a while. I enjoy reading all the letters I receive, no matter how mundane the news.
I wish you all well and thank you for your support.
Mel