Burma protestors block garage (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Burma protestors block garage

4:43pm Thursday 27th September 2007 in

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A protest against the oppression in Burma at a Bradford petrol station today almost ended in violence when a vicar was threatened and a lorry driver tried to force his cab through the protest.

The demonstration, which involved about 30 people, including the Vicar of Great Horton, the Reverend Chris Howson, was against French oil company Total continuing trade with the Burmese dictatorship.

The protesters blocked the company's garage in Legrams Lane to traffic for more than an hour beating drums and handing out leaflets before they were persuaded by police to leave after they received threats of violence.

Mr Howson said: "We are following the lead of the Free Burma Campaign. Total gives £160 million a year in support of the regime in Burma.

"We are showing solidarity with Aun Sung Suu Kyi and the protesters in Burma. People should do everything in their power whether it is boycotting companies who deal with Burma or protesting as we are."

Jean-François Lassalle, vice-president of public affairs for Total, said the company believed its trading in the country helped improve the daily lives of tens of thousands of people.

He said: "The group would like to express its deep concern over the present situation, which it is monitoring very closely. Under these particular circumstances, Total is deploying heightened vigilance to ensure the safety of its employees."