30 years of the National Eviction Team
In 1995, experienced Sheriff’s Officers, Mike Anderson and Martin Leyshon, were approached by two Welsh collieries to remove protesters from the sites.
As Sheriff’s Officers and bailiffs, they already undertook the removal of squatters from property and land, so had the knowledge and expertise to move into this area, just as environmental protests were becoming more commonplace.
This was the foundation of UK Evict, which became the National Eviction Team in 2018.
Early infrastructure protester evictions
After the high-level tree and ground protester removals from the Sellar Site Celtic Energy and Brynhenllys Site Celtic Energy collieries, the next major projects were:
- Newbury Bypass protests in 1996, where we first came across Swampy, aka Daniel Hooper, in tunnels on the site. Our paths have crossed several times since
- Honiton Bypass in 1997 - three encampments, multiple high-level tree and ground eviction
- Manchester Airport in late 1997
The first eviction for Manchester Airport comprised five encampments, high-level tree eviction and ground eviction, while the second, from Arthurs Wood, was a high-level tree eviction and ground eviction.
Becoming High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEO)
In 2004, the traditional role of Sheriff’s Officer was changed to that of the HCEO with the introduction of the High Court Enforcement Officers Regulations 2004, which were established under the authority of the Courts Act 2003. One of the changes was the removal of bailiwicks, allowing HCEOs to now enforce a High Court writ anywhere in England and Wales.
High Court Enforcement Group (HCE Group) was formed in 2002 in preparation for this change, bringing together several companies under the new business, with Mike as a director and shareholder, as well as being appointed an authorised HCEO.
Although UK Evict remained aligned, it was a separate business until it was acquired by HCE Group in 2018 and was rebranded as the National Eviction Team.
Long standing team members
The majority of our core team members have been with the business since the early 2000s, including Alun Morgan, Martyn Spiers and David Asker AHCEO, who has formally been part of HCE Group since 2018, has been working with Mike on high profile protester evictions since the Newbury Bypass in 1996.
More high profile cases
As you can see from our client list, we have worked across many sectors, not just national infrastructure projects. Key areas have been fracking and other mining/energy/nuclear power sites including the Brecon Pipeline in 2009, various airports, student protests and traveller evictions, including Dale Farm in 2011, Europe’s largest traveller site.
One of our most extensive and long-running projects is working for HS2 Limited from 2016 along the length of the proposed line from Euston to Birmingham.
Looking to the future
With our unparalleled experience across all aspects of protester removal, whether from height, lock-ons or deep underground in makeshift tunnels, we feel well-placed to support organisations that need us.
Despite stronger penalties handed out in court, protesters are not going away. They have become more prepared to take increasing risks with their personal safety, are better organised and are using social media to great effect to muster support.
We’ve continuously evolved our methodology, technology and training to ensure that we can remove protesters quickly, safely and with the reputational interests of our clients front of mind.
We’re looking forward to the next 30 years!
