Nearly 200 core participants from around the country are unable to participate fully due to lack of funding.

The group of core participants will be asking the public to back their participation in the inquiry via a crowdfunding page at CrowdJustice: www.crowdjustice.com/case/help-victims-of-police-spying

The police have admitted that they spied on 1000 political groups including those campaigning for equality, justice, community empowerment and the environment, those fighting against war, racism, sexism, homophobia, government policies, corporate power, and police brutality.

The official Inquiry offers a unique opportunity to hold the police and those responsible to account in the fight for transparency and justice. However, the process is extremely formal and legalistic. There is an urgent need to make it easier for people to get involved.

The Spy Cops Communication Group was founded to ensure victims of undercover policing get justice. The funds raised will enable the group to:

• Fund travel and expenses to attend court hearings and meetings with lawyers
• Maintain a secure online discussion forum to discuss interventions and submissions to the Inquiry.
• Have a legal observer present at the hearings at all times
• Provide media training and support people in engaging with the media.
• Prepare people for appearing in court and giving witness statements

The Home Office called the Inquiry in 2014 as result of pressure from people targeted by police spies, after campaigners exposed the level of police infiltration into political groups. Kate and Kim allege the undercover operations invaded people's lives, committing human rights abuses for decades. They also claim that systematic spying was aimed at controlling political dissent in the UK, undermining what should be a healthy democracy.