Protesters Set To Occupy Trafalgar Square This Weekend

By · April 7, 2011 at 11:37 am · 7 Comments · Latest News · Report an error ·

This looks like it could be a regular thing – protesters are organising another occupation of Trafalgar Square for this Saturday evening / Sunday, following last weekend’s camp-out with sessions run by the Really Free School.

The idea started in response to arrests / fighting in the Square during an occupation after the TUC March (accounts on what happened on 26th March differ). About 30-50 protesters headed down to Trafalgar Square last Saturday, sleeping out – with zero arrests. They’re trying to keep up the pressure on the government over cuts (a sort of weekend Brian Haw?), though Vince Cable is quite clear the government couldn’t give a bugger – speaking in response to the huge TUC demo, he said:

“No government – coalition, Labour or any other – would change its fundamental economic policy simply in response to a demonstration of that kind.”

So that’s everyone told.

The main problem for the Trafalgar Square camp is now probably working out how to deter those set on a ruck, particularly as awareness of the action grows.

Photo by Gaz-zee-boh from the Londonist Flickr pool

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  • http://twitter.com/carolineholding caroline holding

    i don’t understand why your saying

    ‘The main problem for the Trafalgar Square camp is now probably working out how to deter those set on a ruck, particularly as awareness of the action grows.’

    there was no trouble last week -as far as i know.

    • Rachel H

      Yes, there were no arrests last week, but then only 30-50 people were there. As more people become aware of the occupation (especially if it happens weekly) and more people turn up – which is what they organisers will want, make a bigger statement – the higher the risk a few idiots will turn up and decide to turn a peaceful protest into a violent one. Especially since media coverage of protests is always about making the connection between “protest” and “massive fight” – always the risk some berks will turn up expecting a punch up.

    • Rachel H

      Yes, there were no arrests last week, but then only 30-50 people were there. As more people become aware of the occupation (especially if it happens weekly) and more people turn up – which is what they organisers will want, make a bigger statement – the higher the risk a few idiots will turn up and decide to turn a peaceful protest into a violent one. Especially since media coverage of protests is always about making the connection between “protest” and “massive fight” – always the risk some berks will turn up expecting a punch up.

  • http://twitter.com/carolineholding caroline holding

    i don’t understand why your saying

    ‘The main problem for the Trafalgar Square camp is now probably working out how to deter those set on a ruck, particularly as awareness of the action grows.’

    there was no trouble last week -as far as i know.

  • Howard Mitchell

    that banner looks like the amusingly vivid graphic used on the Shoreditch Social Centre (the old Foundry building)

    (forget the author’s name)

  • C.

    I am a part of this camp, and yesterday was our 4th week. We were harassed by around 20 police on a busy Saturday night, undoubtedly while there were serious crimes happening around the corner. We were threatened, repeatedly, with TSG, even though we have had friendly interactions with the police every single week, and even been told that crime in the surrounding areas has been down since we started occupying. However, despite intimidation and threats of mass arrest, we called their bluff and stayed through the night, marking our fourth occupation in a row. Yes, the law might not change. Yes, the Tories might still be in power, blah, blah, blah. Noone’s expecting a massive change. The point is is we’re making a point. If we can even open one person’s mind, or inspire one person; then we’re doing something. Unless you’ve been there on the Sunday, when we have our workshops, you’re not really in a position to speak.

  • Damon

    Occupiers are ruining my holiday! I don’t want to see Trafalgar Square with a whole bunch of tents stuck in the middle of it. YOU’RE RUINING IT FOR ME!!

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