Occupy London protests: Police to be allowed to clear Paternoster Square near St Paul's
Police can now close Pastnoster Square in the event of an “imminent threat”
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police will be allowed to clear a square in London where anti-capitalist protesters camped in 2011, following a ruling on Friday.
Activists from the Occupy London movement set up camp outside the London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square, nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, in 2011 and again in smaller actions in May 2012 - despite an earlier injuction.
The group describes itself as part of a global movement which aims to “put democracy and the environment before profit”.
In February 2012, police dismantled the movement’s camp following a High Court injunction by the City of London Corporation - the square’s owner.
The City of London Corporation has now classified the square as a “City walkway”, meaning police can immediately close Pastnoster Square, as well as six adjoining lanes and alleys, in the event of an “imminent threat” or unforeseen events, the Evening Standard reported.
The square’s freeholder, the City, and Oxford Properties Group, which owns the majority of the buildings on the site, struck a deal to make the ruling possible.
Read more: Angry protesters settle in with kitchen tent and library'
Oxford Properties Group requested extra powers that included “the ability...to restrict access to the estate in the case of demonstration or terrorist threat”.
Matthew Varnham, Occupy’s legal advisor, said the by-laws could be challenged it they were regarded as incompatible with human rights law. “It’s one step further in encroaching on people’s ancient rights,” he told the Evening Standard.
A City of London Corporation spokesman said: “The City Corporation is committed to improving the pedestrian environment and public access to key locations in the Square Mile,” but added: “the City will always facilitate lawful protest.”
A spokeswoman for Oxford Properties Group, on behalf of Paternoster Square Management, told the newspaper: “There will be no impact to the public access to or experience of Paternoster Square.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments