Student protests - what next?

Occupation in Nottingham

After another successful day of action yesterday, we look at what lies next for the growing movement against the UK government's austerity measures of cuts to services and rising fees.

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 1, 2010

Yesterday showed continued energy for the fight against austerity as protesters successfully evaded deployments of riot police and horses in towns and cities across the UK, and were joined by similar protests on a large scale in Italy.

In a trend that started during the 24th November, university students were in some cases outnumbered by students from schools and colleges, who are getting hit directly by both the cuts to EMA and tuition fee increases. The character of the protests changed quite significantly from previous days of action, with many areas largely abandoning any attempt to hold an A-B march and rally (often impossible to hold due to aggressive policing anyway), opting instead for highly mobile, smaller groups; evading police lines, blocking traffic, occupying university, local government and shop building. There were also no set piece confrontations with the police - at least none that suited the needs of lazy rolling news TV, with reporters often pictured 'embedded' amongst hundreds of riot police standing around in empty streets, while the protests were occurring across town.

At time of writing there are at least 15 occupations of universities across the UK. - We'll just link to the list maintained by the Edinburgh occupation rather than duplicate it here. Slade School of Art, the University of Nottingham, University College Falmouth and Kings College London were all newly occupied yesterday. Queens in Belfast was occupied briefly (but we understand the space was unheated). There have also been occupations of Birmingham Council House by a large group made up mainly of school students (not sure if this is still ongoing?), Oxfordshire County Hall, and several banks and vodaphone stores. Lewisham town hall was invaded by dozens of protesters (supported by several hundred outside) on Monday during a meeting agreeing millions of pounds of cuts to council services, with similar actions expected today in Camden.

As the weather gets colder the appetite for boring marches and the prospect of spending hours standing around kettled will dim even further (although perhaps not for playing tag and snowball fights), so what's coming up next?

- Some universities are entering their second week of occupation, and being joined by fresh ones every couple of days. These occupations have in some cases successfully opened their doors to school students and the wider community, and nearly all are maintaining active contact with the outside world via frequently updated blogs and twitter accounts. Will we see occupations of schools, sixth form colleges, more local council buildings and high profile landmarks follow this?

- The 'Workers and Students Movement' on Facebook put out a callout for events on 4th and 5th December. Events are being advertised in Atherton, Birmingham, Dewsbury, Lancaster, Leicester, Manchester, Norwich, Sunderland and Wigan. While there is no official march planned in London, there is already a March on Parliament for a Zero Carbon Britain which had been booked previously, and a protest planned against the London Lib Dem conference.

- This all coincides with theUK Uncut a 'National Day of Action Against Tax Avoiders', organised for the 4th December. Previous targets of these protests have included Vodaphone (with an estimated £7bn in avoided tax) and Top Shop, whose owner Philip Green is both an adviser to the government on waste cutting, and has been personally highlighted for hundreds of millions of pounds in tax avoidance.

- On Sunday 5th there are actions planned in Bristol, Colchester, Newcastle and Nottingham.

- In many cases these protests are being called by local anti-cuts groups as opposed to student groups, this should give the lie to the media's (not to mention the NUS) constant portrayal of these protests as only about tuition fees.

- New National Days of Action have been called by the National Campaign Against Feeds and Cuts for the 9th and 11th December (that page is currently a bit confused about dates, we understand the NCAFC is working on it).

- the NUS and UCU, conscious that they've been entirely ignored over the past few weeks, have tried to get back in on the action by announcing a march on the day fee increases are debated in parliament, alongside 'mass lobbying' of MPs (surely they're not suggesting mass occupations of constiuency offices are they?), and a candlelight vigil.

The occupations, rolling and weekend actions are extremely important if what has so far largely been a movement led by students can maintain momentum and expand to incorporate workers, benefits claimaints and pensioners - all of whom are going to be deeply affected by the cuts but have not yet converted this anger into concrete activity on a wide scale. After all "We're all in this together".

Comments

Incubus

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 1, 2010

Absolutely! If the student movement and the burgeoning local anti-cuts groups can maintain the momentum into the new year, then there is every chance a truly mass movement can develop...It is beginning to look like the poll tax all over again...Once the cuts begin to bite hard next year, the filthy bastard cannibal capitalists won't know what hit them...

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 1, 2010

I'm hearing that the 9th is the scheduled date for the fees vote in Parliament...

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 1, 2010

Oh good, another Whitehall march... :roll:

Ellar

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Ellar on December 1, 2010

One of the pages is encouraging a national day of action rather then just another whitehall march..........

Auto

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 1, 2010

It looks like a lot of people are looking to get down to London... Could be a big 'event'...

flaneur

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 1, 2010

Things like this.

Be inside Topshop, ready for action, by 11am on Saturday morning. At precisely 11.02am, we will take action right in the very heart of Philip Green’s Arcadia empire.

Alone Together

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Alone Together on December 2, 2010

Bloody facebook again!

Is there no way to view pages without signing up?

Incubus

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 2, 2010

The spirit of refusing to be kettled is growing though, so with any luck the student movement will look to diversify their tactics, like the students in Italy using roving piquetero techniques, blockading stations and roads (There was a hint of this last week at Charing Cross)...It is nice to know though, that there are only approximately 800 TSG in London, the rest being made up of 'level 2' public order-trained coppers in PSU's, that and the fact that flying wedges were being used to at least attempt to break the kettle on Whitehall...It's a shame people haven't yet cottoned on to directly targetting FIT teams to express their displeasure...It's also a shame no-one realised that Her Madge was in Leicester Square attending a royal film premiere, as she could have been petitioned by her young subjects in a direct and forceful manner....

Submitted by Incubus on December 2, 2010

Nope, you'll just have to be one of the digitally excluded...just like I will be once I'm made redundant...or ask a mate...

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 2, 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11892634

BBC

The National Union of Students have said they will hold a "day of action" on Wednesday 8 December, on the eve of the Commons vote.

So the demo on the day itself is NCAFC? lol...

Mark.

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 2, 2010

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/dec/02/fourth-student-protest-fees
The Guardian

The National Union of Students has announced plans for further mass student protests on the eve of a crucial Commons vote on university tuition fees.

The union has called for students across the country to begin demonstrations on 8 December.

A further rally by students and union officials is planned on the day of the vote before the group lobbies MPs inside Westminster in an effort to persuade them against voting for a rise in fees.

Mike Harman

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 2, 2010

The NCAFC announced the 9th at the same time they announced the 11th (bear in mind that both those dates came from the SWP controlled convention in London, and one of the facebook groups is made by the EAN which is also SWP iirc.).

The NUS/UCU announcement came after this - and just said "we'll hold action on the day before the vote happens". Looks like the 9th was chosen as being a likely date for the vote and happened to be right. So now it's 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th.

Very hard to tell whether this is going to completely fuck things up and fatigue people, or instead end up with rolling actions across the place.

Auto

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 2, 2010

I don't think it's going to fatigue people... if I'm honest it seems as though the focus of a large number of protestors has swung around to the 9th. The other dates will still get an attendance, but the 9th is going to be the 'big one'.

Also I reckon the NUS 'demo' is going to be tiny. They've completely mis-read the student mood and are by now pretty much largely ignored (by grass-roots student groups at least, the Guardian still likes to give them undue prominence).

Submitted by slothjabber on December 2, 2010

Mike Harman

... So now it's 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th...

Breaking this down, 4th/5th are alternatives, because I don't think there's anywhere that has demos on both days - some were already called for the 4th, which is why the WSM called the 'United Day of Action' in the first place for that date, then NCAFC called the 5th and some actions were planned then. So though they're on different days I'd lump the 4th/5th together (as WSM is now doing with the 'Weekend of Action Against Austerity').

The 8th I agree could be a total damp squib. The NUS-organised event in Leicester yesterday attracted 30 people according the report I've seen. Difficult to get info, as no-one was there to report on it!

I haven't seen any great swing towards the 11th yet either - that leaves 'this weekend' (4th/5th) and the 9th as the main foci of action, in my reading of the situation. Maybe after this weekend it'll be possible to asses how well the weekend protests work and if it's worth backing the call for the 11th, but at the moment it's too early to tell I'd say.

Auto

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 2, 2010

UEA has gone into occupation:

"The action comes on the same day as the ‘Big Debate’ organised by the Union of Students at UEA which will see Aaron Porter, NUS president, Simon Wright, Libdem MP for Norwich South and former Labour MP for Norwich North Ian Gibson. Following the revelation that Simon Wright has come out against the rise of tuition fees students would like to congratulate the MP and encourage him to do all his power to continue the fight for free education. One student currently occupying the building said ‘this is a peaceful occupation, we will do no damage to the building but we feel this is a necessary action to show that we feel we have been betrayed by our university and by the government.’

UEA’s Vice Chancellor, who has refused to comment on his position on tuition fees, is being asked to support students and take an anti-fees stance.

Aaron Porter, who last week pledged solidarity for students occupying at UCL, is expected to show support when he comes on campus later today.

The occupying students are asking for a show of solidarity from UEA students and lecturers in the fight for free education!"

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 2, 2010

The UCL authorities, who have apparently been very soft thus far, are now going to court in an attempt to evict the occupation:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/dec/02/students-tuition-fees-protest-ucl-eviction

Rob Ray

13 years 4 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Rob Ray on December 2, 2010

NUS has shifted over to the 9th, presumably because they realised it would be a massive washout on the 8th - could be some big clashes over who's "in charge" at this rate.

posi

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by posi on December 2, 2010

LSE has just gone into occupation. Old Building, Vera Ashley Suite, 1st floor.

Jenre

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jenre on December 2, 2010

Over 1,000 students tried to break through a police cordon to march to the British embassy in Athens, in solidarity with British students and against austerity and education reforms in Greece.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6B12WS20101202

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 2, 2010

There's an awful lot of Tory/rightwing trolls on the main facebook group at the moment. But if anything I think they add fuel to the fire. They portray such over the top caricatures of wealthy, heartless, individualists that it's essentially Agit-Prop at this stage...

mons

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by mons on December 2, 2010

Well NCAFC are lining up to take control, they've taken it upon themselves to start electing stewards for the march.
It's only a facebook call-out and most people attending won't know who NCAFC are let alone participate in their structure, but for them that's enough to make it exclusively 'theirs' to control I guess.

In Against Beyond

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by In Against Beyond on December 2, 2010

What happened during the tube strike in London? I guess it was on Monday. I heard some students from UCL were planning to go to pickets and show support for the strike. I am sure the movement needs these links to avoid isolation. But I am afraid it's just my daydreaming...

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 2, 2010

There was some solidarity between the occupations and the Tube Strikers, I recall. I distinctly remember reading that UEL had sent a delegation to one of the Picket Lines in East London.

One thing that will hopefully be learned from the occupations is the importance not only of holding the space but of holding control of access. In places like Oxford, the occupation itself was strong but it was essentially surrounded by police and isolated, limiting their contact with the outside world beyond the 'blogosphere'. The strongest occupations all seem to be those which have free access in and out.

Although I must say I've no good ideas on how you could hold access to a building - in many cases it seems down to the goodwill or otherwise of university authorities.

Submitted by flaneur on December 2, 2010

Jenre

Over 1,000 students tried to break through a police cordon to march to the British embassy in Athens, in solidarity with British students and against austerity and education reforms in Greece.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6B12WS20101202

[youtube]BEz5J5ks_Zg[/youtube]

may

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by may on December 2, 2010

I can't say much about the tube strike, but I did manage to speak to a few pickets outside a station in East London.
As often happens in such situations it was the union rep who spoke to me rather than anyone else. I asked about students and he told me of the plan for students to join a picket in central London - I assume the UEL delegation Auto mentions must be in addition to that.
Even if its a minority, even if some of this is a symbolic action organised by unions etc, I think it does show a feeling that there is a need to link to other struggles is starting to develop.
Naturally the union rep sees linking with other workers entirely in terms of using the Trades Council and unions - which won't help the real links that need to be made by workers and students directly.
For the rest we talked about kettling, about how it had been planned in advance by the police, and I learned that the police at Wapping in the 80s went round leaving bricks in the road after making charges with police horses so they had an excuse for this - which I didn't know despite going there at the time.

alibi

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by alibi on December 2, 2010

Auto - you're spot on about the occupations. Some of them seem to be spending almost all their time sending each other "solidarity" messages. Solidarity must be assumed between occupations for fuck sake. Bit of a love in.

Lets be honest the government couldn't give a flying fuck if 100 students lock themselves in a lecture theatre. It hurts them not one bit, especially when the press aren't even interested (and why would they frankly). They probably don't even know about most of them.

Occupations are only useful if they are used as a base for activitiy, organising, planning and as you say, are open to other students. But most seem to be more happy playing at being part of a revolution (a revolution in one room, maybe) and talking to eachother about lefty erogenous zones like Palestine.

7 days to go and some students are now focussing on defending these mostly pointless occupations. They want a fucking rocket in their ear!

Harsh but true.

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 2, 2010

It was Jenre who was quoting that from the article, not me. I just put up the video.

Alibi, what a load of rubbish.

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 2, 2010

As far as I remember the British Embassy is in Kolonaki a bit further up that road. The video is on this report about the demo.

Looks like a brief appearance by Loukanikos near the start.

In Against Beyond

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by In Against Beyond on December 2, 2010

I basically agree with Alibi. I guess this forum was open to look critically at the student movement, not for cheerleading. I am sure we are all happy that things kicked off, but isn't questioning and discussing the weaknesses more useful for the success of the movement than celebrations and empty revolutionary talks?
I think that occupations should be seen as means, rather they are seen as goals among the university student radical minority. They are necessary for providing infrastructure, bases, warm (?) shelter, etc., but we should also critically ask, are they really offensive tactics? How do we 'measure' offensiveness? The high school and college youth had very good instincts when they came up with the walk-outs... Is students' strike in today's conditions possible?

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 2, 2010

I said what Alibi said is rubbish. I don't represent the forum obviously, it's just my view. Nor does that mean I "cheerlead" unequivocally.

Student occupations might not hurt the government but they certainly hurt university management. How can escalation which is growing and militant be anything but offensive?. As to what's offensive, I would go by Solidarity's As We See It.

Meaningful action, for revolutionaries, is whatever increases the confidence, the autonomy, the initiative, the participation, the solidarity, the equalitarian tendencies and the self -activity of the masses and whatever assists in their demystification.

Would you say that occupations don't do the above?

And we've already had student strikes. We saw one just this week gone. When kids and uni students didn't turn up for classes and instead went marching around their towns and cities, they were striking.

Submitted by alibi on December 2, 2010

flaneur

I said what Alibi said is rubbish. I don't represent the forum obviously, it's just my view. Nor does that mean I "cheerlead" unequivocally.

Student occupations might not hurt the government but they certainly hurt university management. How can escalation which is growing and militant be anything but offensive?

Offensive is no good with 7 days to go. What matters now is effectiveness.

The occupations in themselves do not put heat on the MPs (nor university management particularly in brutal honesty). To believe otherwise is delusional.

What works with seven days to go is a massive street presence. Up close and fucking personal. Targeted escalation.

And the only thing that matters is what works.

Submitted by Joseph Kay on December 2, 2010

alibi

Offensive is no good with 7 days to go. What matters now is effectiveness.

The occupations in themselves do not put heat on the MPs (nor university management particularly in brutal honesty). To believe otherwise is delusional.

What works with seven days to go is a massive street presence. Up close and fucking personal. Targeted escalation.

And the only thing that matters is what works.

you could start shooting Tory MPs and they'd still vote it through. it's ongoing unrest that will derail austerity, the vote's pretty much a foregone conclusion.

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 2, 2010

I did think your general jist was incredibly activisty. Turns out I was right.

7 days to go? What do you think, that the policy will be passed and that's it, nevermind and off to bed? The Poll Tax was introduced in 1989 and was running into 1990 before it was withdrawn. If anything, I think if it passes, things will heat up dramatically.

No, I thought we sorted this out. I said university occupations aren't aimed at government or MPs, it's at university management. Who do happen to care funnily enough, that's why they're currently trying to boot the UCL lot out.

I didn't realise it was either or. Regardless, as I'm sure you know, there is going to be a street presence in only a few days, and then again next week. As an aside, what do you like out of apples or oranges?

Submitted by dinosavros on December 2, 2010

Mark - you are right in that to get to the british embassy from the parliament you have to go down that road that the cops are blocking, although it is several blocks down.

Submitted by alibi on December 2, 2010

Correct, and when it goes through the protests and occupations will almost inevitably wind down (yes the CPE etc etc but its a totally different context, long buildup affair). They'll come to a complete stop within a week of the 9th due to xmas anyway. Things may pick up again, and at that point occupations will be effective. But in this context, in themselves they are irrelevant.

The manner of the bill being passed is not a foregone conclusion though.

The Liberals are all over the place right now and the protests to date have forced a split amongst them (those voting for, abstaining and voting no). That's a split that could have taken two years to emerge without these protests. And its a split that is there to be cracked wide open by everyone else who is starting to organise against these cuts, a split vwhich may bring down the government eventually.

What also matters is the mood music next week: and its numbers on the street not dozens dotted around the UK locked in lecture theatres discussing veganism whilst doing that daft hand waving shite that counts.

7 days...

dinosavros

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by dinosavros on December 2, 2010

flaneur

7 days to go? What do you think, that the policy will be passed and that's it, nevermind and off to bed? The Poll Tax was introduced in 1989 and was running into 1990 before it was withdrawn. If anything, I think if it passes, things will heat up dramatically.

Flaneur if I remember correctly the government changed the date of the vote to make it sooner, on December 9th, is that right? If so, why? Isn't it likely that the government anticipates that once the legislation passes the mobilisations will die down?

To take a couple of events that were being discussed here recently, the struggle against the retirement age change in France and the lorry drivers mobilisation in Greece, both of them effectively faded out once the respective law was passed.

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 2, 2010

What a bizarre angry man you are. Must dash, I'm off to brick a copper. HAVE IT.

Submitted by alibi on December 2, 2010

flaneur

I did think your general jist was incredibly activisty. Turns out I was right.

I have never been a political activist.

flaneur

7 days to go? What do you think, that the policy will be passed and that's it, nevermind and off to bed? The Poll Tax was introduced in 1989 and was running into 1990 before it was withdrawn. If anything, I think if it passes, things will heat up dramatically.?

No, it will fizzle out by xmas. It may and hopefully will wind up again afterwards, but it will be a slow buildup affair when it does (as were the Poll tax and CPE). Occupations from 2 months previously won't be very relevant at that stage.

To reiterate, what's happened to date has been fantastic, students have been an inspiration. But from this moment on occupations cannot be a distraction from what matters in the immediate future: the street. If occupations are not helping enable a large angry street presence next week then they are proving a distraction.

Submitted by flaneur on December 2, 2010

dinosavros

flaneur

7 days to go? What do you think, that the policy will be passed and that's it, nevermind and off to bed? The Poll Tax was introduced in 1989 and was running into 1990 before it was withdrawn. If anything, I think if it passes, things will heat up dramatically.

Flaneur if I remember correctly the government changed the date of the vote to make it sooner, on December 9th, is that right? If so, why? Isn't it likely that the government anticipates that once the legislation passes the mobilisations will die down?

To take a couple of events that were being discussed here recently, the struggle against the retirement age change in France and the lorry drivers mobilisation in Greece, both of them effectively faded out once the respective law was passed.

Oh no doubt they're trying to rush it through in the hope things fade away. I'm not saying that won't or can't happen. But after the past couple of weeks I find it difficult to not be hopeful. It could go either way but there's precendent with the Poll Tax that it can come back to bite you in the arse too.

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 2, 2010

alibi

To reiterate, what's happened to date has been fantastic, students have been an inspiration. But from this moment on occupations cannot be a distraction from what matters in the immediate future: the street. If occupations are not helping enable a large angry street presence next week then they are proving a distraction.

There have been two demos in the last week, and there are more to come on the 4th, 5th, 9th and 11th?

Submitted by Mark. on December 2, 2010

alibi

No, it will fizzle out by xmas. It may and hopefully will wind up again afterwards, but it will be a slow buildup affair when it does (as were the Poll tax and CPE). Occupations from 2 months previously won't be very relevant at that stage.

To reiterate, what's happened to date has been fantastic, students have been an inspiration. But from this moment on occupations cannot be a distraction from what matters in the immediate future: the street. If occupations are not helping enable a large angry street presence next week then they are proving a distraction.

I've already quoted this once but it's worth quoting again:

The Greeks 20 years ago - how it should be done

ATHENS - Monday, February 25, 1991

A wave of high school occupations forced the government late last month to withdraw education legislation and promise to discuss its proposals with students piece by piece.

The seven-week occupation of 2000 high schools was the biggest challenge yet to the 10-month rule of Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis and his reactionary New Democracy party (ND).

The high school movement is unprecedented in its depth, unanimity amongst students, freshness and radicalism. Week after week, hundreds of thousands of high school students held meetings at their schools and voted in huge majorities to continue the occupations, and they continually took to the streets in enormous demonstrations.

...

This enormous movement has put a definite end to the wave of conservatism and apathy that had been on the rise for several years. Gradually, most of the country's universities and colleges were also occupied, and the movement was widely supported by both teachers and parents.

...

Returning from the Christmas break on January 7, students around the country had voted in huge majorities to continue the occupation movement for better education and the repeal of anti-education legislation of the ND government.

...

alibi

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by alibi on December 2, 2010

top stuff, and if the uni occupations are showing the high school students what they're doing and proposing the kids do the same then that clearly is effective.

if they're just debating lefty obsessions (mumia, cuba, minute ideological distinctions whatever) then that's not.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 2, 2010

I think it differs between the individual universities. There's no uniform nature between the occupations - some seem quite Libertarian (relatively speaking) and others seem more typically 'Left-wing'. I think what people are arguing here is that it's the generality of what the rise of the occupations represent that is important.

And I don't think it's going to dent the presence on the streets next week - which let's not forget seems to have a big working-class student presence. So even if some of the occupations are 'the usual crowd' I don't think it detracts from what appears to be a quite wide-ranging movement.

mons

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by mons on December 2, 2010

if they're just debating lefty obsessions (mumia, cuba, minute ideological distinctions whatever) then that's not.

I get the impression there's none of this whatsoever. There certainly wasn't in Oxford.

I think it is worth discussing the limits of occupations though.
Joseph Kay says:

it's ongoing unrest that will derail austerity, the vote's pretty much a foregone conclusion.

which is clearly right. But it's too vague and abstract to be massively helpful. Actually I think probably - in a little while when occupations get no media attention and are more the norm - occupations of some lecture theatre or something, even if there were dozens at any one time, really don't disrupt capital at all. I know that's taking one thing in isolation - of course it alone can't stop austerity. But it is much much less effective than a strike for example, where capitalism is more deeply and directly affected.
Students' potential to create really disruptive unrest seems to me pretty limited unfortunately. Because our role in sustaining capitalism is much more indirect; we are being made into future workers. Besides, missing lessons or lectures, or having some cancelled altogether, does not even really interfere much with our education. Capital can accommodate a lot more student strikes, walkout and occupations than it can workers' industrial action.
I guess students' struggles can act as something to inspire others, but the innate power of our students' struggles doesn't seem great.
I'm just thinking this through, and hopefully can be persuaded otherwise though.

Joseph Kay

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Joseph Kay on December 2, 2010

well students can do things like economic blockades (morning commuter hubs, shopping centres, fuel depots...), and often have less to lose than waged workers

dinosavros

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by dinosavros on December 2, 2010

Mark the comparison is important and relevent, a lot can be learned from it, and it is true that in Greece the student occupations movement against education reforms was one of the main factors in radicalizing a big part of society again in Greece.

To point out some differences:
-universities are public and not private economic entities like in the UK
-universities are protected by asylum laws which in practice means it is very difficult for the police to go inside without causing a large public outcry including the government opposition
-a lot of high schools were occupied and not just universities, as the article points out (something that hasn't happened in the UK right? at least not yet)

alibi

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by alibi on December 3, 2010

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 3, 2010

Question Time's in London that night too...

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 3, 2010

They do know 12pm is midnight, yeah?

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 3, 2010

No it isn't!

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 3, 2010

Yeah, it is. If they mean 'noon' then it's 'noon' or even '12 noon' if you want to be tautological (because all noons must be 12). 12pm is midnight. Check up if you don't want to accept my word for it.

Submitted by bastarx on December 3, 2010

slothjabber

Yeah, it is. If they mean 'noon' then it's 'noon' or even '12 noon' if you want to be tautological (because all noons must be 12). 12pm is midnight. Check up if you don't want to accept my word for it.

Not according to the all knowing wikipedia.

Writing 12 noon on the poster would have been unambiguous.

From the other side of the world it seems to me that the parliament house demonstration is bound to turn into a massive riot which would be fine if the cops get smashed but I'd be surprised if that happens. Although I guess everyone was surprised by the Poll Tax riot too.

radicalgraffiti

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by radicalgraffiti on December 3, 2010

edit: to slow

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 3, 2010

dinosavros

Flaneur if I remember correctly the government changed the date of the vote to make it sooner, on December 9th, is that right? If so, why? Isn't it likely that the government anticipates that once the legislation passes the mobilisations will die down?

This is true but there are several factors for and against this happening:

I think they picked tuition fees in the first place as an early target because there has been pretty much zero student unrest in the UK for many years. They expected current university students to ignore the rise because it won't affect them, and probably wrote off large scale protests from younger kids due to their age (and the fact it won't affect them yet, and that it's not an upfront cost etc. etc.). Effectively all the reasons that people like Clegg are giving why people shouldn't protest, are the reasons they thought they could get away with this relatively quietly. It's very likely that without the storming of Millbank this might have happened too.

Most of the impetus for the protests after November 10th on the walkouts has been from secondary school and college students, not university students. Nearly every single report, whether the telegraph, the Guardian, or sites like this, points out that it was a much younger crowd the second two times. They are not only facing potential tuition fee increases, which will actually affect them, but also cuts to Educational Maintenance Allowance if they're 16-18. Not everyone gets EMA but it's probably several thousand in London and a couple of thousand in most major cities (at a wild guess, I used to work somewhere where 70% of students were on EMA). There is no vote happening for EMA as far as I know, that's just being cut, and it's got no direct relationship to the tuition fees.

There is a lot of anger against the Lib Dems for breaking the tuition fees pledge, and against the government and police generally following policing at the protests, which unlike France and Greece, 99.9% of those involved will never have experienced, possibly not even on TV let alone in person. So there is a chance that people will be even more riled up after the vote passes (which seems inevitable, although it might be close) than before.

All this has to be balanced against the fact that both schools and universities are going to be on break shortly after that vote happens, I think the government is hoping that the break, and no looming vote to build for after the break, is what will dampen this. If there was no break, then I don't think the vote would make so much difference, but the combination could mean that it's hard to get things started again in January, but it's impossible to tell.

There's also a high chance that if for some reason the tuition fees vote isn't passed, or there's some kind of amendment in the new year, that the NUS (and probably the SWP, Labour Party, although they're all still on the very outer fringes of this at the moment), will declare this a 'victory', as might the occupations, and they'll leave the school students who have to deal with the actual change when it comes through + EMA out on their own. A semi-victory seems to be the most dangerous thing here, but at least at the moment the Tories don't appear to have the appetite for this and reckon they can push it through all the way. Although they appear to be doing some fudging on a 160m cut to school sports budgets, which had a very headteachers very angry, and I would put money on this at least partly being to try to avoid a split with senior school teachers which could lead to more tacit support for walkouts.

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 3, 2010

dinosavros

-a lot of high schools were occupied and not just universities, as the article points out (something that hasn't happened in the UK right? at least not yet)

To my knowledge this has not happened yet, but there are reports of up to 800 students walking out of particular schools (which depending on the school could be 90% of the students, or 40%..). School students around Oxford(?) are holding joint meetings, and it was school students who occupied the Birmingham Council House and some other places.

The risks to school students in maintaining an occupation are significantly higher than they would be to university students - schools don't have anywhere near as much space, nor conference rooms, so they'd immediately cause a huge backlash from the management (whereas the universities can tolerate a small occupation for a bit to appear liberal, then evict it when thy're ready). There are also big truancy penalties for students/parents in English schools. So if this happened it would be more or less unprecedented, there have been some isolated occupations against academies or school closures in a handful of places, but these are much smaller and usually involve parents.

In between though, there are the Sixth form and FE colleges, I have no idea if this is a possibility or not, but seems more likely than an 11-16 school at the moment.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 3, 2010

12am is midnight, in the same way that 12.01am is one minute after midnight.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 3, 2010

National Day of Protest Against Welfare & Housing Benefit Cuts

15 December
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181074851903167

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 3, 2010

Photo from the Greek demo

UCL Occupation

Huge gratitude from all of us here. We can all hardly believe this… solidarity to all Greek students!
ucl occupation
Friday, December 3, 2010 at 1:33 am

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 3, 2010

Apparently the London Lib Dem conference at Haverstock School (4th Dec)has been cancelled by the venue. I've yet to see a reliable source for it, but if true it looks like student pressure is definitely having an effect...

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 3, 2010

Also, spotted on the official Conservative web page:

http://soasoccupation2010.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/no-cuts-conservatives1.jpg

Submitted by Mark. on December 3, 2010

Auto

Apparently the London Lib Dem conference at Haverstock School (4th Dec)has been cancelled by the venue. I've yet to see a reliable source for it, but if true it looks like student pressure is definitely having an effect...

It says so here...
http://www.coalitionofresistance.org.uk/2010/11/protest-at-london-lib-dem-conference-in-camden-4-december/

Protest forces cancellation of London Lib Dem Conference in Camden 4 December
This event has now been cancelled. A decision was taken by the venue to cancel the booking. Lib Dems will be making a press anouncement at about 10.00hrs today. A message will also go on the Lib Dem web sites during the day.

Whether it's a reliable source I couldn't say, and I can't find anything else to confirm it.

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 3, 2010

indymedia london...
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/6290

tomorrow's lib dem london conference cancelled?

the coalition of resistance are announcing that the haverstock school has cancelled the booking for tomorrow's london lib dem conference due to fears for the security of the venue with mass protests planned.

the head teacher at haverstock school has confirmed to me that the venue was hired out by the PFI company that owns the school buidlings, but that school staff were concerned about the possible implications to the safety of children attending a saturday school, and although the staff don't have a direct say in the use of the building, the PFI company, in discussions with the lib dems, have now cancelled the booking due to the concerns raised.

the coalition of resistance website suggests the lib dems are making press announcements and updating the web site with the news, but i haven't yet been able to confirm this. the london lib dem office does not answer phone calls.

i guess the main question is, will the conference take place somewhere else? they can obviously run, but can they hide?

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 3, 2010

The Guardian

Students occupying a building at the University of Leeds have called for a student strike and 'complete education shutdown' in Leeds next Wednesday.

[...]

"We are asking students in every secondary school and college in Leeds not to go to lectures on Wednesday and have a complete education shutdown in the city.

"We're going to meet at noon and hold a protest and day of action in Leeds - and we'd like students, members of the public and trades unionists to come and join us.

"The Con-Dem government has no mandate for these cuts. If we can stop the tuition fee rises, it will throw into question the necessity and inevitability of their entire austerity agenda."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds/2010/dec/03/occupiers-call-for-student-strike-and-complete-education-shutdown-in-leeds?CMP=twt_gu

.

Occupied Leeds

Rob Ray

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Rob Ray on December 3, 2010

Lol they'd refused to tell reporters where it was as well, obviously someone didn't get the memo :D

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 3, 2010

I'm really wary of moving it to a centralised London demo. Maybe misjudging things, but while I can see the angry kids from past 2 days of action totally fucking shit up locally, I can't see them heading up to London. I'm mostly thinking outloud here, but I think the mistake here is confusing (slightly incoherent) working class rage with a a nasecent "movement" - for me what made past 2 days of action so important was it was a very genuine and immediate responce to being fucked over. However, much as NCAFC et al may want it to be, for the overwhelming part it just didn't feel like a political movement that can be directed to demos in the capital. In this it felt very very different to Iraq demos for example.

I mean I'd love to be wrong, and obviously massive disorder outside parliament would be amazing!

I agree with you, demos should be localised, and the decentralisation of the movement offers more avenues for self-expression and autonomy from the leftist recuperators (as we are seeing up and down the country).

To be honest though, I think there may well be enough people in London itself to make massive disorder ouside Parliament a real possibility. People are right to point to the huge numbers of school kids/6th formers on demos, but they need to add to them the large figures of lumpen rude boy estate kids who always come out to have a pop at the rozz, as well as the assorted anarchists/leftists. That said, the unifying tactical imperative of these demos is now to avoid the kettle, so maybe Parliament will be abandoned for less predictable targets. I honestly don't know what will happen.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 3, 2010

Well the Leeds occupiers have made a massive callout (see above), so I reckon there'll be some big demos. And I agree with Caiman that there'll be big numbers in London (8,000 already signed up on FB alone).

I also agree that unpredictability is now the big hallmark of these events. Despite attempts from some quarters, the student protests remain resolutely leaderless - and I don't think the NCAFC's electing of stewards is going to make much difference. It's going to be a case of seeing what happens on the day. I think that the unpredictability of it all will be weighing more on politicians minds than any rediculous NUS-led 'candlelit vigil'.

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 3, 2010

Auto

I think that the unpredictability of it all will be weighing more on politicians minds than any rediculous NUS-led 'candlelit vigil'.

But...but...they're lighting 9,000 candles! :lol:

Uzak

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Uzak on December 3, 2010

Haven't seen this anywhere, so putting up - just got back from London Met which went into occupation last night around 9pm.

There was a short rally outside (only 10-15 people) with support from UNISON and UNITE reps, but basically lefty-free. This part of the university is in an interesting location compared to some (like the Bloomsbury unis and ones with campuses) as it's on the Holloway Road, so is right within a residential/shopping area. It's also (literally) around the corner from the Arsenal stadium - so tomorrow there will be an additional 60,000 people in the area! I plan to leaflet the crowd tomorrow (I'm a season ticket holder and around there all the time, so hopefully not considered a lefty weirdo!), but they definitely need support wherever possible. I'm not sure the numbers are that huge and they seem slightly directionless - other than building for next week and trying to keep public informed.

Will keep you posted but I'm sure other stories/photos will be up on Indymedia etc soon.

Submitted by flaneur on December 3, 2010

Caiman del Barrio

Auto

I think that the unpredictability of it all will be weighing more on politicians minds than any rediculous NUS-led 'candlelit vigil'.

But...but...they're lighting 9,000 candles! :lol:

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 3, 2010

Yeah i think you're misreading me...maybe lumpen sounds pejorative but that certainly wasn't my intention. I was making a somewhat dispassionate assessment of the demographics on demos.

Rob Ray

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Rob Ray on December 3, 2010

Second venue has pulled out, conference is suspended until February.

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 3, 2010

Well, you know what those LibDems are like, they just attract trouble.

You can judge a man by the company he keeps, is what I've heard.

BTW Rob Ray, have you a source or link I can spread?

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 3, 2010

How'd you know that Rob?

Rob Ray

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Rob Ray on December 3, 2010

It's not online yet, one of our reporters mentioned it.

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 3, 2010

Any idea if we'll get confirmation? I have a contact with the LibDem conference protest group and obviously they need info. If nothing else so they can plan to protest something else maybe?

Incubus

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 3, 2010

AP -It's official-

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5htxsoM9mE-Sr35AYW7sY80l-2MyA?docId=B26801641291388252A00

Incubus

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 3, 2010

btw, Is there still confusion over the demo on the 11th ?

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 3, 2010

Ah, gorgeous, I could kiss the both of you.

In a fraternal, solidaritous non-predatory proletarian way of course.

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 3, 2010

Topshop is going to be awfully packed this weekend.

Incubus

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 3, 2010

Enjoy!-

Lib Dems are losing cash, voters and supporters

A Lib Dem spokesperson said: “The loss of Short money following the formation of the coalition Government has affected the party’s finances, but following a successful autumn conference, we are confident that our fundraising will go from strength to strength.”

http://www.tribunemagazine.co.uk/2010/12/lib-dems-are-losing-cash-voters-and-supporters/

Hardy-ha-ha!

Jason Cortez

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jason Cortez on December 3, 2010

caimen

To be honest though, I think there may well be enough people in London itself to make massive disorder ouside Parliament a real possibility. People are right to point to the huge numbers of school kids/6th formers on demos, but they need to add to them the large figures of lumpen rude boy estate kids who always come out to have a pop at the rozz, as well as the assorted anarchists/leftists. That said, the unifying tactical imperative of these demos is now to avoid the kettle, so maybe Parliament will be abandoned for less predictable targets. I honestly don't know what will happen.

Actually talking to a few of these kids, I get the impression they are quite shocked at the naked police aggression, they've seen and experienced. Whilst they have previous bad experiences of the police; harassment. S&S, etc and a general contempt for the police, seeing the police acting as a large force of oppression, unprovoked smacking people in the face has added a new depth to their disgust.

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 4, 2010

Reports from day of action in Cambridge in the Guardian and the Cambridge Defend Education site.

UPDATE: We again have control of access, but police are still attempting to curtail entry and we continue to call for supporters to come to the occupation.

EMERGENCY PRESS RELEASE: Cambridge police and security kettle students inside occupation

University security staff and Cambridgeshire police have barricaded the students occupying Cambridge University, locking them inside.

At around 5pm, officers formed a barricade at the main gate. They are not allowing food past the gate or access to toilets.

A crowd of academics and students have amassed outside the building in support of the students barricaded inside. They are not being allowed inside.

The students in the occupation have called on supporters to join the crowd outside the occupation. They issued this statement: “We are outraged that the university would attempt to starve students out and limit their access to toilets. This is an unsafe, disproportionate, and violent response to a peaceful and non-violent occupation. The University is still refusing to reply to our demands and is instead taking violent means against us. We call on all supporters to come down and challenge the blockade of the occupation.”

The students have been occupying the Old Schools administrative centre of the university since last Friday. Today, the students blockaded access to the entire Old Schools site, closing all the offices, and also occupied the Guildhall of the Lib Dem-controlled town council.

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 4, 2010

Well yeah quite, I really don't quite know what's so wrong with this demographic coming out? Obviously many of them have had much more experience of police brutality than your average student (myself included), and many of them have quite an acute understanding of their (lack of) opportunities. I don't think we should deny their existence, but neither should we be hostile to them.

EDIT re Jason

Jason Cortez

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jason Cortez on December 4, 2010

I am certainly not suggesting that these 'yoof' don't come out, the more the merrier. Your comment seemed to me to a bit 'Class War' valourising the supposedly most disadvantaged and prone to violence as the real deal. Maybe I missed your drift, my point was two fold, it is problematic defining folks in this way as it homogenises people with widely differing experiences, reducing them to cypher. And that their 'common' experience and antagonism to the police actually seems to have left them little more prepared to deal with the state's violence (especially emotionally) than your average punter, beyond a have a go attitude.

Yorkie Bar

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Yorkie Bar on December 4, 2010

local yoof on demos can be amazing. a mate of mine described to me the experience of being in a ninjarchist black block of a hundred odd facing off against the police when a young lad walked out in front with a stick in each hand and started screaming abuse at them. when it became clear it wasn't gonna kick off, he chucked both the sticks at the police line, turned his back and left.

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 4, 2010

Jason Cortez

Your comment seemed to me to a bit 'Class War'

So I'm Class War and SWP? :confused: Can everyone stop hoisting positions on me please?

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 4, 2010

And Womens Institute.

Seems like it's been a good day against Topshop stores today.

Read a Twitter that people had superglued themselves to a window in Brighton and in London, BHS, Dorothy Perkins, Boots, Vodafone, Miss Selfridge and Topshop itself have been closed. Short BBC video.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 4, 2010

To be fair, Class War and the SWP have pretty much the same view of this particular demographic, just with different conclusions.

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 4, 2010

...as far as I can see though, I've identified their presence on demos, and attempted to draw some very meek generalisations (qualifiying them as thus). I don't really see any conflict between mine and Jason's posts.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 4, 2010

Just back from the Oxford Topshop demo. A bit of a weak one to be honest. A handful of people sat outside the shop (but not stopping people going in and out). Leaflets were handed out but most locals seemed bemused as to what 'students' had against Topshop. The one positive moment of the day was when some protestors decided to block the one remaining open door but this soon dissapated and the store was left to conduct its business largely unhindered.

I was observing from across the road at one point when I suddenly found myself surrounded by Evidence gatherers who were watching/filming the protest and seemed completely oblivious to my presence (I'm like a fucking ninja, me).

Eavesdropping in on their conversation, I discovered that they had expected a lot more protesters but that 'these seem to be the only ones in town at this time'. They also radioed control to say that they'd spotted an individual they believed to be an organiser. They gave instructions on where he was headed, presumably so he could be tracked on CCTV.

It looks like they were expecting a big day as the Clarendon centre had extra security on all doors, as did Boots and Vodafone. Two riot vans were parked round the side of boots at one point, so they obviously thought there was potential for a big event.

I just wonder what happened.

Rob Ray

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Rob Ray on December 4, 2010

I suspect most people are waiting for the 9th now.

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 4, 2010

Why aren't we supporting the students? Maybe we've been psychically kettled

Another Guardian article, another journalist visits the UCL occupation. To me the most interesting bit is this, though it's only mentioned in passing:
The Guardian

Into this hub of activity come other, younger students wanting to see how its done: polite, well-spoken boys who want to stage occupations in their sixth forms about the removal of the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

The media of course has banged on about tuition fees as the children of media people go to university. Little has been said about EMA, a means-tested benefit, possibly because those who live on less than £20,000 a year are not in the middle-class bubble.

So it sounds like sixth formers are now talking about occupations over EMA...

mons

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by mons on December 4, 2010

I have talked to sixth formers who want to occupy, or have been involved in occupations, but don't feel comfortable or confident enough to occupy their own sixth forms. Which is fair enough, much more likely to get done for it. Also, although self-organisation is a good thing, it's a lot easier to just support an occupation being done by uni students or whatever, than go alone with just other sixth formers. I think getting sympathetic teachers on board, even if they can't do much practically, would be helpful just for confidence.
But tentatively I think there is movement in that direction.

Submitted by Mark. on December 4, 2010

mons

I think getting sympathetic teachers on board, even if they can't do much practically, would be helpful just for confidence.

This is probably one of the differences between here and Greece, where there's a tradition of school occupations going back to 1990-91 and where I suspect there's always been support and encouragement from many of the teachers.

It's probably also true that in Greece school occupations are tolerated to some extent, something like the way university occupations are accepted here as something that students do, as a rite of passage and so on, whereas here school occupations might get a very different reaction.

Maybe someone from Greece could comment on this.

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 5, 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11920628

Here come the scraps...

Thousands of university students from poorer backgrounds could have their tuition fees paid for up to two years, ministers have proposed.

A government source said any student eligible for free school meals could get their tuition fees paid for a year.

And universities which charge more than £6,000 a year could be forced to pay such students' fees for a further year.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 5, 2010

Clever, since they've just cut the free school meals budget too:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7146447.ece

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 6, 2010

It's the second anniversary of Alexis Grigoropoulos's murder by Greek police - http://www.occupiedlondon.org/blog/2010/12/06/434-alexis-is-gone-for-two-years-hes-gone-to-a-university-occupation-in-london-standing-behind-a-barricade-in-rome-protesting-in-the-streets-of-dublin/ and http://libcom.org/forums/news/some-news-greece-05122010

In light of this, and the attempt by Greek students to demonstrate outside the British embassy in Athens in solidarity with our struggles, maybe anyone who doesn't fancy marching on Parliament on Thursday can consider demonstrating at the Greek embassy in Holland Park instead?

dinosavros

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by dinosavros on December 6, 2010

slothjabber

A post on athens indymedia from 'Slade Occupation' says that there is a march to the Greek embassy in West London tomorrow Monday 6th December at 13:00 in solidarity with the greek students who demonstrated outside the British Embassy.

Link in Greek

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 6, 2010

UCL occupation has called a demo against the Greek Embassy 1pm Monday 6th - http://ucloccupation.wordpress.com/2010/12/05/solidarity-with-greek-anti-cuts-protesters/

slothjabber

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by slothjabber on December 6, 2010

Ah, OK. I hadn't heard about these, and unfortunately there's no way I can get to London this afternoon. Good luck to all those demonstrating this afternoon.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Apparently the Lib Dem MP John Hemming has just had his office occupied...

Sidney Huffman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Sidney Huffman on December 6, 2010

*resists obvious joke*

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Also I've heard word about Bristol and St Andrews going into occupation today - can anyone confirm?

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

From Twitter:

"NUS NEC votes AGAINST backing the demonstration on Thursday, day of fees vote. What an utter #DISGRACE. #demo2010 via @twp1977 #Solidarity"

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 6, 2010

Auto can you confirm any of these?

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Well I've yet to see a source on the NUS story (though given their track record it wouldn's surprise me).

Bristol Uni is definitely in occupation:
(Statement)

Still haven't seen confirmation on St Andrews though.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 6, 2010

Lib Dem office in Birmingham has been occupied (via @ucloccupation, don't have another source yet).

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Yeah, that was the Lib Dem MP I mentioned earlier... can't find it at the moment but there was a picture of it up on Twitter, so that's definitely been confirmed.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

http://www.goldsmithssu.org/blog/entry/27

Goldsmiths threatens to take £15,000 out of the Student Union budget to cover the costs of an action at Deptford Town Hall in November.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

http://www.artbathspa.com/gallerycam/

Apparently Bath Spa's school of Art and Design is also occupied. I'd previously not heard anything about this.

There's a lot of it about...

varlet

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by varlet on December 6, 2010

BBC article about the occupation of the lid dem MP in Birmingham:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-1192886

Twitter info for St Andrews occupation:
http://twitter.com/#!/OccupyStAndrews

"St Andrews #students have occupied Lower Parliament hall in #solidarity with anticuts occupations everywhere!"

"The #student occuption carries on at Parliament hall. We remain cut off from the outside world by Estates. Management are not negotiating"

miles

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by miles on December 6, 2010

Interesting article in today's Grondian here I don't agree with several points, but the key points made are sound:

There is nothing intrinsic to being a student that makes them radical. Like everyone else their politics are shaped by time and place. During the 1926 General Strike in Britain students were used as scab labour...... That students and youth in Europe have erupted at this moment, however, should come as no surprise. More than one in five people under the age of 25 in the EU is unemployed. In Spain the figure is 43%; in Greece 30%; in Italy 26%. Meanwhile the principle that education is a public good, to which all are entitled, all contribute, and all benefit through a more competitive economy, is in its death throes.

And on a broader framework he makes a very valid point:

Clearly, how students' resistance to these cuts pans out will have ramifications for successful opposition to the entire austerity programme. That is reason enough to deserve our support. But while students can be the spark for the broader struggles ahead, history tells us that they are unlikely to be the flame itself. Students and the young might be the most likely to protest, but they are among the least likely to vote – if indeed they are even eligible to vote – and cannot withdraw their labour to any devastating effect.... the French students in 1968 bolstered the confidence of factory workers. The threat British students pose – much like the financial crisis bringing them on to the streets – is of contagion. That their energy, enthusiasm, militancy, rage and raucousness might burn in us all.

(My emphasis)

Perhaps even more interesting is the comment which has received the highest 'reccomend' stats (it's sometimes surprising how rabidly right wing the comments on this 'liberal' website are so often applauded):

hong 7 wrote

Well said Gary. And just before the thread gets filled with people howling you down, there's something that needs repeating, and often: Most of these students are not going to be directly affected by the cuts to university funding or the increases in fees. They are protesting on principle, getting off their arses and trying to change something because they believe it is in the best interests of future generations and their society as a whole. For that alone, they should be applauded, and they act as a very real inspiration to us all.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Tate protestors just spotted on Channel 4 news. Large white 'dunce' hats, some being used as impromptu megaphones.

Also someone listing today's new occupations on twitter included Camberwell College. Anyone know anything about that?

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Blaargh, double post.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Quite funny watching the announcement of the Turner Prize with the ambient sounds of protest in the background. The art world glitterati all looking slightly nervous.

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 6, 2010

Photo from today's protest at the Greek embassy...

...and another ('αλληλεγγυη' means 'solidarity')

.

UCL occupation video
[youtube]MQg_nzvAdL4[/youtube]

.

Article on the UCL occupation from the London Review of Books

The occupation began at a ‘What Next?’ meeting on the day of the second student march when a group of UCL students voted to take over the Jeremy Bentham Room (students at SOAS had gone into occupation two days before). A general meeting was then held to draft their demands. The most important, and most often repeated, is that UCL’s management issue a statement ‘condemning all cuts to higher education’. They also want things they might be able to get: for the university to pay UCL cleaners the London living wage, to bring outsourced support staff in-house and to change the composition of the university council to get rid of the majority of corporate, non-UCL members (they’d like a quarter each of management, students, tutors and support staff)...

.

Statement from the Bristol University occupation

We have occupied the University of Bristol Senate House today. We have done this to protest against, and to open a space of dialogue and critical thinking around, the government-proposed education cuts and changes to the University fee structure. We have occupied this space in a spirit of solidarity with other student occupations and in recognition of the burning need for a new form of participatory democracy within our University and universities in general...

.

St Andrews occupation

We, concerned students of St Andrews University, are occupying this space in a gesture of defiance to the Government’s policy of raising the cap on tuition fees, instigating cuts and to the commercialisation of education in absolutely any form.
We are also protesting the University’s support of these policies, demonstrated by their stance on the Browne report. We demand that the University reverse this stance and stand behind a policy of no front-line teaching staff cuts and no staff cuts whatsoever until the University is held accountable for its actions.
We stand in solidarity with our fellow students and the thousands of talented and intelligent young people whose futures will be destroyed because they cannot afford to purchase an education that for which they shouldn’t have to pay...

.

Student protests: NUS leaders vote not to join forces with march
The Guardian

The executive committee of the National Union of Students voted this afternoon by a large majority not to back a call to join forces with a national demonstration planned by thousands of students on Thursday, the day parliament votes on whether to raise university tuition fees.

In a resolution that will divide the student movement, the NUS executive decided to go ahead with its own candle-lit vigil on the banks of the Thames, rather than join up with the 20,000 students who plan to attend the march to Parliament Square…

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 6, 2010

Word coming through that both Bradford and Goldsmiths have been occupied...

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 6, 2010

Photos from Tate occupation

Statement from Camberwell College of Arts occupation

We, the students of Camberwell College of Arts, believe that if the massive cuts proposed for education happen, it is unlikely that academies such as ours will continue to exist. Arts and humanities courses are being targeted with the largest cuts, while still requiring a great deal of funding, which even a rise in fees will not cover. In response, we have decided to occupy the Wilson’s Road building at our college.


We see the arts as occupying a vital place within society, one which benefits us all, both culturally and economically. If arts education ceases to be a viable route for students, that benefit will be lost.

An artless society is a heartless society!

We oppose the transformation of education into a market. Education should be a forum for all publics, not just those who can afford, to learn, experiment and debate.

Therefore, we call for all arts students, especially those from UAL to join this occupation, and call for more arts-led occupation and actions. We propose to use our space for a practice led resistance.  We will run workshops, performances, debates and experiments, creating a collective space of generative discourse. At no point will we disrupt any fellow student’s education, allowing all scheduled lectures to continue. We wish to propose, rather than simply oppose!

mons

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by mons on December 7, 2010

Unfortunately I've heard from someone at Camberwell (not at the occupation), and apparently there's only about 10 people there.. but still great to hear the wave of occupations is continuing.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 7, 2010

http://goldsmithsinoccupation.wordpress.com/

GOLDSMITHS OCCUPIED!
Posted on December 7, 2010 by goldsmithsinoccupation
GOLDSMITHS OCCUPATION STATEMENT

We have occupied the university library in opposition to the increase in
university fees and cuts in education as a whole. We act in solidarity with
all those facing cuts across the social sphere.

We oppose the proposed change in fees structure and the cuts to teaching
subsidy across education in the UK – which will include a 100 percent cut
to funding for teaching in arts, humanities and social sciences.

We have taken over Goldsmiths’ Library, the most publicly visible and
accessible physical space in the college. We are opening it as a centre for
organisation, available 24 hours a day to students and all those on the
receiving end of the government’s assault in the Lewisham community. We
offer our support to recipients of the EMA grant, benefits and services,
all of which are being attacked by local and national government. We
support library staff at Goldsmiths and public libraries across Lewisham.

The proposed changes in Higher Education represent a historically
unprecedented attack on society. In response, we have taken the exceptional
step of deciding that no staff shall work in the library building, although
students are welcome to come and join us. Until our demands are met, there
will be no business as usual at the college.

We act to support and intensify the efforts of all those involved in the
nationwide wave of occupations.

We demand that Goldsmiths’ management:

• Immediately make a public statement opposing fees and the vote for
their increase due in parliament on 9th December. We refuse all current and
further cuts at Goldsmiths.

• Implement no further cuts to departments and budgets at Goldsmiths, nor
any further redundancies.

• Steps forward to defend all those from Goldsmiths arrested or in other
ways victimised during the current struggles against the cuts. We condemn
the police’s violent and heavy-handed tactics used against students,
staff and their supporters.

• Do not penalise library staff in any way, nor dock their pay during the
occupation

• Ceases its campaign of cuts against the Goldsmiths Nursery.

• Retract their threat to charge Goldsmiths’ Student Union £15,000 in
response to the occupation of Deptford Town Hall. This occupation, like
that one, is independent of the Student Union.

• Do not take any disciplinary actions whatsoever against those involved
in this occupation.

Somewhere else they put up the letter from the provost to the student union - threatening to take £15k out of the SU budget for the Deptford town hall occupation, but if there was not any other occupation-esque activity, they'd waive it. Straight up blackmail by the university management, clearly hasn't worked.

Samotnaf

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Samotnaf on December 7, 2010

nico:

Video from the Tate occupation:
http://yfrog.com/2to1bz

"And that includes the police" !?!?
Art students...

As the old song goes:
"police and art, police and art
go together like a horse and cart -
this I tell you brother
you can't have one without the other".

And that crap about philistinism in the video... the real philistines are today's culture vultures: how many of them know a thing about the revolutionary search in art up until the mid-1960s?

Art students....

Submitted by Auto on December 7, 2010

Tommy Ascaso

Apparently the goldsmiths students tried to deny library staff access and are now running the library themselves. 10 staff have got in and have locked themselves in the staff room.

Is there any reason that the occupiers forced the staff out? Their statement seems to be very concerned with the wellbeing of the library staff - seems odd that they'd force them out if they didn't want to go.

Although on the other hand would this be the first of the occupations to 'take over' an academic facility and self-operate it?

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 7, 2010

Bath https://twitter.com/#!/BATH_OCCUPATION

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 7, 2010

Camden school students - http://twitter.com/#!/camdensitin

https://camdenschoolsitin.wordpress.com/

Apparently it's not actually started yet.

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 7, 2010

https://twitter.com/#!/GSoccupation

The decision was taken to exclude staff on the grounds of maximising disruption. The library was still gnona be open to students and there are machines where you can check your own books out. Staff are being encouraged to extend essay deadlines where applicable and one of the demands is that the Warden guaruntees no redundancies.

Submitted by Auto on December 7, 2010

Caiman del Barrio

https://twitter.com/#!/GSoccupation

The decision was taken to exclude staff on the grounds of maximising disruption. The library was still gnona be open to students and there are machines where you can check your own books out. Staff are being encouraged to extend essay deadlines where applicable and one of the demands is that the Warden guaruntees no redundancies.

Sounds good, and is a lot more clear now. Sounds like what the Oxford students wanted to do with the Radcliffe (leave the library open, but under occupation), had the police not surrounded the place.

Out of interest, how are you keeping access clear? Seeing as how a lot of the occupations (like Oxford and now St Andrews) end up getting shut in by police or security...

Good luck with the action!

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 7, 2010

Newcastle Civic Centre / Main council chamber was occupied not long ago. Can't keep up.

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 7, 2010

Security were negotiated with and agreed to take up an inactive position by the turnstiles, one of which has been opened. There is talk of opening up the library for public consumption (although books can't be borrowed without a Goldsmiths card and the book alarm by the turnstile is still operational).

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 7, 2010

Well that's good to hear... from what I understand, Oxford Uni basically locked the place down (there was an absolute army of police outside).

It would probably be good to figure out some tactics that could be used by occupiers to keep access open in situations where university authorities are more antagonistic.

Jason Cortez

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jason Cortez on December 7, 2010

The library staff issue is a very contentious one, there was a long and quite painful debate last night and eventually a decision was made to dein staff access. This is still a live and divisive issue, to be reviewed tonight. Frankly there is a steep learning curve going on and it is pretty messy. The meeting ended at four last night, madness. Then they failed to prevent staff entering this morning who have since been working in the offices at the back. They is a lot of naivety on both sides, the pro library staff being there side, seemed to think that staff will be functioning as usual, this is extremely unlikely and leave Goldsmiths management to liability arises from health and safety issues. so even if staff are allowed in they will just work in the back offices. A lot students are pissed off at the occupiers for 'disrupting' their education. The occupiers are attempting to keep the library running, keep the toilets running etc, but seem surpisingly unprepared. Still things are starting to get sorted and it is an amazing site, if a little too big for the numbers imo. Entertainments are being organised and there is a big emphasis on outreach (although not sure how much that is translating into people taking on tasks nessacary)

Submitted by Incubus on December 7, 2010

This seems ludicrous tome, is there no common ground between the students and library staff, given that staff jobs are at deep risk of being cut? Why not occupy the library spaces and let the staff do their job behind the counter? (Academic library workbeing, of necessity, a specialisation)..Where are the staffs sodding trade union, or is that a stupid question? Btw it's easy to disable a security gate...just find the 'off' switch!

Refused

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Refused on December 7, 2010

Don't know if this is the correct place for this but Newcastle Civic Centre is currently being occupied. The local council is Lib Dem controlled.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-11941141

Jason Cortez

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jason Cortez on December 7, 2010

Actually Incubus despite library support staff having lost their jobs recently, there isn't really any appetite for struggle at present. As I have mention already in my post it is highly unlikely that Goldsmiths senior management would risk having library staff carry on doing frontline jobs in a space clearly not in their control as would leave them liable under health and safety. Any way we will see as the occupation voted to allow staff access to the building tomorrow. An occupation is essentially about power and control, who imposes their will on a certain terrain. Goldsmiths senior management via its workforce in this case or the democratic will of the occupiers. Disruption is an inevitable part of this and in this particular situation should be one of the aims as it is about stopping business as usual, rupturing the production of knowledge as a commodity. The occupation is in danger of becoming a symbolic stunt, the gesture politics of the 'militant minority as substitute for meaningful action. This political posturing seem to be the limit at which the university occupations are contained at present. The library as the site of the occupation was subject to long discussions prior to occupation and is a source of tension as well as the issue of staff access. It seems its excellent location on the main road, with a big front glass windows over three floors, ample room and resources and a steady supply of students (a captive audience of library users) won the day. But seems that they really hadn't given too much thought to what an occupation is and what it entails, the main concerns simply being alienating other students and then library staff.
Eleanor Davies

The point of an occupation is to close down a space, to disrupt the functioning of an organisation, to stop people from going to work. During the 1980s whenever we occupied students unions, colleges, universities or whatever, we always prevented staff from continuing to work in the occupied... spaces. To allow them to carry on working means that the occupation is not a real occupation.....In my youth we occupied the Highbury & Islington site of North London Poly. We did not want the building to fucntion so we did not allow workers to come in and open the building. We welcomed any worker who wanted to join the occupation.

Red Marriott

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Red Marriott on December 7, 2010

From an earlier thread;[quote=Mike H]Samotnaf

the statement from Slade Art School - defending both the arts and the sciences as they exist in this society, ie as separate specialisms, is crap, and indicative of some aspects of the limits of the perspectives of this movement (ok - it's early days yet, and such a critique could develop but that's not an excuse not to start now).
The fact that this surprising movement is moving and surprising (it's certainly helped to cheer me, and hundreds of thousands). of others, up) shouldn't be a reason for suspending critical faculties when it comes to looking at the function of education as it exists, regardless of how open to the children of the working class or not it is.

Can't remember where I saw it, may have been a UCL Occupation video (the JBR one, not the Slade one), but people are definitely talking about this, there's also a gradual focus towards the university management as well as the government, which has been slightly more to the fore this week.
http://libcom.org/news/november-30th-day-action-against-cuts-fees-30112010?page=3

The critique of education – what role you’re being educated for and why, in what kind of crap society - seems largely absent so far or at least not openly expressed with much significance, especially compared to the 60s/70s movement. There is often an appeal to restoration of a largely mythical social democratic educational ideal. This contains the principle that education should be a freely available resource rather than only accessible as a commodity, but does not contest its content or function as an integral part of an exploitative hierarchical society.

It seems the radical practice of this movement is ahead of its theory – insofar as refusing to play by the rules of democratic politics in the streets but still often framing the ‘legitimacy’ of its demands in social democratic terms.

Mike H

On the other hand most of the refreshing stuff that's not university occupations is from school and college students now, and this is on the fundamental level of "don't fuck with our £30 week EMA", which isn't defending education at all, but the social wage. Not that the whole benefits system (and EMA itself, there's a strong disciplinary aspect to it as borne out by the fact that people skipping lessons to go on protests will lose the whole week's money due to absence/truancy) shouldn't be looked at critically. But it's a different demand, one that the media is consistently ignoring, and much closer to the attacks on benefits that are affecting other groups of workers.

I wonder if this will develop as a movement which sees the diversity of its demands as rooted in the same capitalist offensive or will eventually fragment it into various single issue causes seeking different settlements? The hinted special pleading for the supposed unique contribution of art/culture to the ‘national economy’(!) (typical of the often self-obsessed ‘collective individualism’ of the arts sector) perhaps suggest it for some parts already.

Submitted by Mark. on December 7, 2010

Jason Cortez

The occupation is in danger of becoming a symbolic stunt, the gesture politics of the 'militant minority as substitute for meaningful action. This political posturing seem to be the limit at which the university occupations are contained at present.

Maybe this reflects the fact that existing university students aren't the ones who are going to be affected by the rise in tuition fees or the withdrawal of EMA. In the circumstances it's hard to see that university occupations are going to be anything other than the action of a militant minority, even if the majority of students are supportive (and I don't know whether this is always the case).

There's a difference here with something like the student strike in Puerto Rico where existing students are faced with an additional levy on their fees and have voted in a mass meeting to strike and occupy the campus. Compared to this the occupations here look more like a kind of political theatre. Which doesn't necessarily mean they aren't worthwhile, though there may be questions about what they are trying to achieve.

Sit-ins or occupations by school and college students might be different as they are the ones directly affected. One point here is that from what I can remember of school occupations in Greece they were always the actions of a majority rather than a small minority that might be open to victimisation later. Whether anything similar is possible here, or even whether it's a good idea, I'm not sure.

Jason Cortez

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jason Cortez on December 7, 2010

Red M

The critique of education – what role you’re being educated for and why, in what kind of crap society - seems largely absent so far or at least not openly expressed with much significance, especially compared to the 60s/70s movement. There is often an appeal to restoration of a largely mythical social democratic educational ideal. This contains the principle that education should be a freely available resource rather than only accessible as a commodity, but does not contest its content or function as an integral part of an exploitative hierarchical society.

Interestingly the critique of education was a subject refered to and discussed at the unkettling education teach in at goldsmiths uni on monday. Though whether this reflects a development that is beginning to be present more broadly or simply the result of the teach in being organised by the anthropology department, I could not say

Jason Cortez

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Jason Cortez on December 7, 2010

Mark

Maybe this reflects the fact that existing university students aren't the ones who are going to be affected by the rise in tuition fees or the withdrawal of EMA. In the circumstances it's hard to see that university occupations are going to be anything other than the action of a militant minority, even if the majority of students are supportive.

I think it does reflect this and the relative priveledge that being uni students won't lose their jobs and uni management are fairly lenient to this sort of thing, i.e. a rite of passage etc. Indeed Goldsmiths uses this tradition of radicalism to market itself. To be clear I support the occupation university movement and still think it is possible for it to go beyond its self imposed limit if the occupations continue and external events hot up. The Goldsmiths occupation has been a bit of a mess in many ways, but at the moment lots of ideas are being tested and lessons hopefully learned. Many people have certainly realised the importance of infrastructure, of the practise of occupation is where the politics are truly revealed. I am just a bit frustrated, but we need to be supportive of the occupations so this unfolding of ideas in lived experience can occur. but we also need to be critical of the failures of not learning so the limits can be seen and discussed

ps my militant minority remark was aimed at the fact that people were refering/seeing themselves in this way in unreflective manner.I was not suggesting that being a militant minority was the problem although of course that particular raises issues of its own which can't be ignored either.

Martin O Neill

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Martin O Neill on December 8, 2010

I am not sure if people have already seen these, but Reel News have 3 or 4 short occupation films here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/ReelNews

Caiman del Barrio

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 8, 2010

Just to confirm, library staff at Goldsmiths are at their desks working normally as of 8am.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

Camden School for Girls (I think I have the right school name) has just occupied.

Submitted by Caiman del Barrio on December 8, 2010

Tommy Ascaso

How is that impacting the occupation? Would be good if you could write something up when you've had some sleep!

To be honest, so long has been wasted on this issue. I'm sick of discussing it. There is - belatedly - an ongoing dialogue between the library staff and occupiers, and they're still keeping security at a distance. Possibly the worst thing about the decision being overturned is that it now opens the door for the pious as fuck SWP sab (who denounced stopping staff working as "scabbing") to return.

I think people are gonna have to accept that this isn't really an occupation, but a meeting space.

Submitted by Incubus on December 8, 2010

Fair point Jason, thanks. Regarding a critique of education, I wonder if anyone has seen this- Declaration of the national coordination meeting of the student assemblies and occupied universities - Greece 03/12/2010 -

http://ourmediaindymedia.blogspot.com/2010/12/gio-greek-students-declaration.html

I've posted it to OL, as they seemed to have missed it. Was wondering how much, if any, discussion was happening in the UK around the Bologna Accord?

mons

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by mons on December 8, 2010

Camden School for Girls (I think I have the right school name) has just occupied.

Do you have a link. Their website hasn't updated, just says they are having a sit-in and teach-in.

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

mons

Camden School for Girls (I think I have the right school name) has just occupied.

Do you have a link. Their website hasn't updated, just says they are having a sit-in and teach-in.

To be honest, I think that's what it is (a sit-in/teach in), but they're referring to it as an occupation.

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 8, 2010

dp

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

A slightly bizzarre tweet from the Twitter rumour mill:

"does anyone know about a barricade going up at Camden School for Girls/ Info needed urgently. PLS RT. @UCLoccupation #solidarity"

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

The Camden School protest has called for immediate support from the NUT, NUS and UCU.

Also hearing word that the RMT has called for full support for the student protests.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

Oh and the 'barricade' is apparently referring to the fact that all press and guest speakers are being barred from entering the school.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

CWU officially supports the student protests:

http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/cwu-supports-student-protest.html

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

RMT Statement: http://www.rmt.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=140996

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

Birbeck has apparently gone into occupation, as has Exeter, my old university!

The latter surprises me, given the political make-up on campus. Conservative Future were the biggest political society. Says it all really...

flaneur

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by flaneur on December 8, 2010

Some live coverage about things today.

Sarah Teather's office is occupied apparently. She was looking pretty miserable already when Sky News was following her about from her doorstep today.

And anarchists will be behind trouble tomorrow, shock horror, says the Evening Standard.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

http://www.aclandburghley.camden.sch.uk/

Looks like another school is going to be occupied. The school is closing down in response.

EDIT: And in doing so it looks like they've put paid to the occupation. Boo.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

According to one twitter post, RMT members are actually going to be present at the student march:

"RMT members will assemble outside Unity House tomorrow @ 11 and will march to the student demo in #solidarity"

I'll see if some more confirmation appears.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

"RT @camdensitin: Just heard that both Stoke Newington School and acland burghley school are both in occupation #demo2010 #solidarity"

This message is appearing on Twitter, apparently coming from the Camden occupation.

Stranger Than …

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Stranger Than … on December 8, 2010

Yeah that evening standard article is funny. According to them the Wombles are behind these protests.

no1

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by no1 on December 8, 2010

Just saw this on facebook - it is apparently Euston station. Anyone know about it?

Submitted by Chilli Sauce on December 8, 2010

no1

Just saw this on facebook - it is apparently Euston station. Anyone know about it?

https://london.indymedia.org.uk/articles/6393

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

no1

Just saw this on facebook - it is apparently Euston station. Anyone know about it?

It was the culmination of the UCL's organised 'Teach-Out': a series of public lectures around London (including some on tube trains). It culminated in a massive lecture given in Euston Station (in the pic).

Also, been looking into the Exeter occupation. I was kind of expecting it to be organised by the Socialist Students (as they were the only vaguely left student group around, the Labour Students having collapsed through lack of members) - but it seems like a really diverse, yet solid bunch. Democratic, consensus decision making, everything. Seems to be getting support from some of my friends who aren't renowned for being political too.

Fifty of them are staying overnight, and the initial occupiers apparently contained members of the public, too.

no1

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by no1 on December 8, 2010

thanks for the info - I was hoping it was the first of a series of blockades

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 8, 2010

Interview with students from Camden School for Girls on Channel 4 News report

BBC report on school occupations - though I caught a bit of the news on BBC earlier on and it seemed to be in full propaganda mode with none of this mentioned and an interview with a Conservative student explaining why rises in tuition fees were a good idea.

Local press report from Camden

And from the Guardian live coverage...

I'm at Camden School for Girls, where around 50 A-level pupils have occupied the sixth form hall. Teachers, perhaps slightly aggrieved at having not been informed about the protest, are unsurprisingly not allowing press into the school grounds.


In the face of this around 30 pupils walked out of the school to a nearby park to listen to speeches. Gathered around a sandpit shivering as they listened to plans for tomorrow the sight was enough to draw a film crew from Belgium. Pupils I spoke to say around half the sixth form (some 200 of 400 pupils) have entered the occupation this morning, while "nearly all" the pupils are expected to join in tomorrow's march.

Photo

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

no1

thanks for the info - I was hoping it was the first of a series of blockades

Well it was announced in the Twitterverse with the words: 'Shut down London has begun'... so even if it wasn't a blockade, it seems as though the idea is doing the rounds, at least.

Ellar

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Ellar on December 8, 2010

I like the fact that the evening standard has accused Anarchists of agitating for london to be "Shut Down" even tho this phrase is being used by just about everybody on the web including the NCAFC facebook event page.

Incubus

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 8, 2010

Glasgow Uni occupied-
"In occupation in the Gilmorehill Theatre, bottom of Uni Avenue since 1pm.

About 100 of us are occupaying 230 capacity room, with numbers increased since freedom of access was granted at 3pm. There are students and staff from Glasgow Uni, Strathclyde, and the Art School.

It's nice and warm so COME ALONG IF YOU CAN!"

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=136567579732280&index=1#!/pages/Glasgow-Uni-Occupied/133691460021139

Ellar

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Ellar on December 8, 2010

Kent University has been occupied, around thirty students are planning to stay the night. The university's senate building was occupied after a student union assembly, I've been told by a student at the occupation that the uni security are attempting to lock the occupiers in (even though that would leave them with no exit in the event of a fire), the students are going to try and stop this from happening.

More info soon.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

On the Exeter Occupation facebook page, the Deputy Secretary of the Devon NUT messaged the occupiers looking to see if they would be willing to send representatives to speak at their general committee meeting. They say it will be on tomorrow morning's agenda.

Nice to see some of the unions looking to make links, even if only small ones.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

Also, a nicely modernised reference to '68 on Twitter:

'Please leave the NUS as clean on leaving it as you would like to find it on entering'.

radicalgraffiti

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by radicalgraffiti on December 8, 2010

lincoln uni has been occupied

Incubus

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Incubus on December 8, 2010

London Metropolitan which was occupied last Friday (I think)
-Students have taken over the Finance Office, the admin workers having to relocate, and today the popular beat combo 'Albama3' andothers played in front of it (For NME streetcred ratings?)

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 8, 2010

Video - student protesters plead with police to send medic to injured woman

Edit: video is from last week, story here

A student is filing a complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Commission after she claims she was beaten unconscious with a police baton and was left without access to an ambulance for almost two hours during an anti-fees protest in central London last week.

Tahmeena Bax, a third-year history student at Queen Mary University in east London, said she was hit directly over the head at least three times by a riot officer when police charged a group of kettled protesters on the evening of 30 November.

Auto

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Auto on December 8, 2010

It seems that the occupiers at Bath Spa were feeling a little down earlier (I think being one of the smaller occupations without much coverage and thus less support). They made a call out and the other occupations (as well as other random people online) swung into action. A lot of the occupations (such as Exeter) spoke to them on skype - for no other reason than they needed cheering up and a little support. The Bath Spa occupiers are now happy and preparing for London tomorrow.

'Solidarity' is a word being bandied around a lot at the moment, but it's one of the most genuinely moving things I've seen from this new student movement.

Mike Harman

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mike Harman on December 9, 2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/8190379/National-Union-of-Students-secretly-urged-Government-to-make-deep-cuts-in-student-grants.html

The NUS has helped focus student anger and Aaron Porter, its president, has been the Coalition’s most vocal critic, frequently accusing ministers of betraying students.

Telegraph is clearly not paying attention if they think the NUS is doing anything 'vocal'.

The Daily Telegraph has seen emails from Mr Porter and his team in which the NUS leadership urged ministers to cut grants and loans as an alternative to raising tuition fees.
In private talks in October, the NUS tried to persuade ministers at the Department for Business to enact their planned 15 per cent cut in higher education funding without lifting the cap on fees.
In one email to the department’s officials, dated Oct 1, Mr Porter suggested that £800 million should be “deducted from the grants pot” over four years. That would cut total spending on grants by 61 per cent. Mr Porter also proposed the “introduction of a real rate of interest” for student loans.
In an email the following day, Graeme Wise, an NUS political officer, suggested that ministers seeking cuts should start with the “student support” package of grants and loans.
He wrote: “It would be better in our view to first mitigate the cuts to provision by seeing how student support can be better focused at lower cost.” Mr Wise also suggested that the cuts in support could be imposed on students currently at university.
The NUS plans also called for £2.4 billion to be cut from the universities’ teaching budget over four years, a reduction of 48 per cent.
A Coalition source said the emails undermined the union’s credibility, saying: “It’s astonishing that Aaron Porter and the NUS should attack the Government’s proposals for being unfair when they propose to drastically cut support for low-income students.” Mr Porter said yesterday: “We were asked by Dr Cable [Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Business Secretary] to demonstrate how fees could be kept at current levels and on the basis of his request we produced modelling to show how that could be done.
“NUS has consistently advocated the abolition of tuition fees and the introduction of a graduate tax, which remains Liberal Democrat party policy.”

No real surprises there, but that's pretty ugly.

Demogorgon303

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Demogorgon303 on December 9, 2010

The latter surprises me, given the political make-up on campus. Conservative Future were the biggest political society. Says it all really...

.

There's an anarchist reading group at Exeter, who are involved as is the SP, but as far as I could see when I popped in there's no one group in charge.

The SWP / NUT turned up and were leaving just as I arrived.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much going while I was there (they were showing the debate in parliament), but one of us (ICC) was there earlier and said there was a reasonable atmosphere and discussion.

At the meeting earlier this week, I proposed that the students send delegations to local workplaces to dry and draw them into the struggle. This was clapped, but I've seen little evidence of it being taken up seriously. Little acorns ...

Mark.

13 years 3 months ago

In reply to by libcom.org

Submitted by Mark. on December 11, 2010

Call on facebook for 'March of Resistance to Education Cuts, London 20 December 2010'

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179218858770566

No idea who, if anyone, is backing this