SHAC UK: The Heather Nicholson Interview

Interview by Claudette Vaughan

Heather Nicholson
Prisoner No: NR7271
HMP Bronzefield,
Woodthorpe Road,
Ashford,
Middlesex. TW15 3JZ. 

Birthday: 30th January

June, 2006

Abolitionist: Thank you for agreeing to an interview Heather. I have always wanted to interview you so can I start and ask you to begin with how is prison life this time around?

Heather Nicholson: I'm okay as it will be a relatively short sentence and conditions are pretty good here. Obviously I miss my family and friends but the worst thing is being taken out of the fight. Knowing there is so much suffering and I can't help to prevent that. I am still inundated with mail which always lifts my spirits. I also have received so much support from the other prisoners, prison officers and security guards etc.

I spend 5 full days a week in the gym so I am fitter than I have ever been in my life. I can honestly say I am coming out of here physically and mentally stronger than when I came in. I am more determined than ever and this prison stay has given me the opportunity to reflect, to take stock, recover and come up with lots of ideas for effective campaigning.

Abolitionist: Why are you in prison today?

HN: Technically I am in prison for arguing with a foxhunter. In reality I'm here because I am a full-time SHAC activist. I have been stitched up but it's an indication of how worried they are. I see burglars, drug dealers and violent offenders released early and given bail all of the time while I stay here. There is no doubt about it that my imprisonment is political. The hunt scum I argued with was totally obnoxious and did his best to provoke me. I shouldn't have reacted by when I did it was only verbal and lasted less than one minute. He was laughing. If the charge had stayed at Section 4 (threatening behaviour) I would have been released months ago, so the charges were raised to violent disorder and attempted robbery to make sure I stayed here. I have turned the situation to my advantage and I am really looking forward to the trial. I am ready for it and I have plenty to say. I'm not intimated by courts in the slightest. Let's just hope the jury is made up of decent people with abit of common sense and compassion.

Abolitionist: What do you see in store for Huntingdon in the future?

HN: HLS are in for a rough ride. We are totally committed to stopping the vicious cruelty that they inflict on animals. We won't stop until that is achieved. SHAC is now a global campaign so there is no hiding place for HLS or their supporters.

Abolitionist: What are you views on the SHAC7 case as they've been indicted for running a website?

HN: It's disgusting but predictable. When you are that successful and effective the ‘powers that be' will pull every dirty trick in the book to try and stop you. I've always said that in the UK and the USA that you are allowed to protest until you become effective and then you are stopped. The thing is we can't be stopped and demos continue in the USA as before.

Abolitionist: What's it like being an activist in the UK today?

HN: Brilliant! It's so inspiring. Despite everything that is being thrown at us the spirit is as strong as ever. If anything people seem to be spurred on when attempts are made to thwart illegitimate protests. Public support is amazing too.

Abolitionist: What's the single most important thing people can do to help the cause?

HN: I suppose the obvious answer is be a vegan. Apart from that all I can do is urge people to do something everyday. Even if it's just a letter or a phone call. Support the demos too. So that's the answer. One single action, every single day.

Abolitionist: What was for dinner?

HN: Tonight it was salad. It had to be thrown away because I found some cheese in it. I won't starve as I have a supply of muesli that I buy from the canteen. Over all though the food is pretty good. Vegan Prisoner Support Group (VPSG) have been brilliant. They even sent in brown rice, quinoa, millet and burger mix. Quite a few prisoners have opted for the vegan diet since they've seen the food.

Abolitionist: What does vegan mean to you?

HN: I have been vegan all my life so it's normal for me. In fact I find it hard to understand why everyone isn't vegan. The most important reason to be vegan for me is so I don't contribute to the murder, suffering and exploitation of animals. I am also revolted by the thought of eating meat and drinking milk and couldn't do it under any circumstances. Of course, as most people reading this are probably aware veganism is better for your health, the planet and the human race too.

Abolitionist: What are you intending to do once out of prison Heather?

HN: Go straight back to working on the SHAC campaign. There's a lot of work to do and many ideas to put into action.

Abolitionist: How did you get started with animal rights work?

HN: I was late starting at about 26 years of age. I went to a demo against live exports and I have never looked back. I felt as if I had finally landed and was suddenly surrounded by people who all felt the same way as me. I feel as if my first 26 years were completely wasted and wish with all my heart that I had started sooner.

Abolitionist: Any last words?

HN: I would like to express my love and admiration to everyone of you who cares about what is being done to animals and is doing something about it. Never under estimate how powerful you are and always believe that we will win.