Post-Crash Resistance
Despite the global financial crisis of 2007/8, the wealthiest 1% have been able to protect their assets and political influence,and have continued to get richer. Since 2016, the 1% have owned as much as the poorest 99% of the world's population.
2007-2008
'Too big to fail'
Unlike other private businesses or public sector institutions(like hospitals and universities), the banks which collapsed during the financial crisis were considered 'too big to fail' (i.e. too important to allow to collapse). In total, £81bn of public money was used to bailout the UK banking sector,which has continued to be state-supported through part-nationalisation and quantitative easing.
2007-2008
Extreme Bonuses
The bailouts were quickly followed by scandal, as it was revealed that this money was being used to pay for extreme banker bonuses.
2010 - 2011
Urban Occupations
Beginning in Tunis (December 2010)the Arab Spring, European Summer, and American Fall(2011) saw a wave of urban occupations all over the globe.
September 2011
The Occupy Movement
After Tahrir Square, the Indignados (Spain) and Syntagma Square (Athens), there came the Occupy movement, which began in New York, September 2011.
2010 - 2011
1518 Occupy Campsites
According the the Occupy Directory, 1518 Occupy campsites were established in 70 countries around the globe.
2011
Globally felt injustice
That these actions spread so fast is testament to a globally-felt injustice,but also to the rise of accessible and mobile Internet technology that allowed international solidarities to form.
2011 - 2012
LOndon Stock Exchange
One month after Wall St, 2-3000 activists attempted to occupy the London stock exchange. Pushed back by police, Occupy London decided to occupy the steps of St Paul's cathedral instead (Oct 2011 - Feb 2012).
2012
Bank of Ideas + Occupy Justice
Occupy London also established other protest sites around the city, including the Bank of Ideas and Occupy Justice squats, Finsbury Square, Leyton Marsh (protesting Olympic Game construction) and Occupy Nomads, as well as other working groups.
Austerity and Cuts
Since the election of a coalition government in 2010, the UK has pursued a programme of reduced public spending, 'justified' by a need to reduce the national deficit. Despite almost ten years of austerity, the national debt has increased, whilst public services and welfare have been cut to the bone.
9th October 2011
Protest the Social Care Bill
On 9th October 2011, thousands of UK Uncut protesters blocked Westminster bridge in protest of the Health and Social Care Bill (with 1000 amendments to open up the NHS for privatisation, despite neither Conservative or Liberal Democrats mentioning this in their manifesto).
October 2010
Disabled people against cuts
Disabled People Against the Cuts (DPAC) formed in October 2010 after an anti-cuts protest in Birmingham. They have regularly occupied parliament, as well as organised marches and pickets to protest the way cuts are affecting those with disabilities. In October 2018, the Equality and Human Rights Commission reported to the UN that 1/5 disabled Brits are having their human rights violated.
18th/19th Century
The Highland Clearances
In April 2012, Friern Barnet Library was closed due to funding cuts. That September, squatters took over the building in order to reopen it for the local community, lending books and hosting events. On 5th Feb 2013, they handed the building back over to the local community as the Friern Barnet Community Library which is still open today.
LASPO 2012
In the context of a media-driven campaign (based on sensationalist and often racist 'half-true' squatting stories), and despite a public consultation which was overwhelmingly against further criminalisation of squatting, trespassing residential property with the intention of living there was made a criminal offence in 2012.
In 2011, the government announced a public consultation into criminalising squatting. In response, SQUASH (Squatters Action for Secure Homes)- as well as legal bodies, law enforcement,homeless charities, academics, the judiciary, and unions -argued against the proposals:
* It would have a devastating impact on vulnerable, homeless people who squat to avoid rough sleeping;
* Squatting can have a positive impact on neighbourhoods through repairing dilapidated properties;
* Existing laws protecting homeowners were strong enough;
* New laws might also criminalise the right to occupy buildings in protest;
* It would cost too much to enforce when compared to civil cases.
2012
Attempting to Criminalise Squatting
Despite 96% of responses rejecting further criminalisation of trespass and squatting, the government organised a (late night) parliamentary debate on the topic before tacking it onto the Legal Aid, Sentencing, and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (section 22). This was the first direct criminalisation of 'squatting' in England and Wales, but non-residential squatting and temporary occupations (e.g. protests) remain legal.
24th March 2013
Daniel Gauntlett
On 24th March 2013, Daniel Gauntlett was found frozen to death outside an empty bungalow scheduled for demolition in Aylesford. Police had evicted Gauntlett (who was homeless) from the building using the anti-squatting powers of LASPO 2012.
Between 2012 and 2015, 736 people are known to have been arrested under LASPO 2012.
2012
Property Guardians
Since residential squatting was criminalised, there has been an increase of so-called 'anti-squatters' or Property Guardians in the UK. Charging both tenants and property owners, these companies arrange for people to live in empty properties,often under exploitative and precarious conditions, to help owners with the security and maintenance.
2016
'Camesquat'
In a poetic twist, squatters established 'Camesquat' in the empty offices of Camelot (one of the largest and most notorious property guardian companies) in 2016.
Homelessness Crisis
Rough sleeping, whilst a very desperate and visible form of homelessness, only forms one small part of a wider population without access to a safe or secure home in the UK. This includes those considered statutory homeless, hidden homeless, and migrants or refugees denied access to shelters or housing services.
While there are no accurate figures of how many people are homeless in the UK, there are some statistics available which helps us build a picture of the homelessness crisis:
* 449 people died homeless in the UK between Oct 2017-Oct 2018 - more than 1 person per day (Bureau of Investigative Journalism).
* In Autumn 2017, on a single random day, local authorities counted 4,751 rough sleepers in England (15% increase on on 2016) and 1,137 in London (18%increase on 2016). (DCLG, Gov)
* CHAIN (Combined Homelessness and Information Network) estimate that, in London alone, there were 8,108 people seen sleeping rough by outreach workers during 2016-17. (DCLG, Gov).
* 79,880 households are in temporary accommodation in England as of March 2018. Including 123,230 children.(DCLG, Gov).
* A further 400,000 people are estimated to be hidden homeless and do not show up in official figures. Including sofa surfers, squatters, those living in hostels and sheds, cars, tents, or night shelters (Streets of London).
* There are over 1 million people currently on housing waiting lists (Empty Homes Agency).
Today
Street Kitchens
Streets Kitchen are a UK & Ireland based group who work to support the homeless community, providing daily outreaches with food, clothing and information. Their slogan 'Solidarity Not Charity' distinguishes them from mainstream (professional) charities, and emphasises the fact that they are willing to take direct action to shelter and support people (including squatting empty buildings).
March 2018
Squatters Sheltering the Homeless
Facing the 'Beast from The East' snowstorm in March 2018; activists from Streets Kitchen squatted Sofia House on Great Portland Street. They sheltered around 150 rough sleepers, whilst running a kitchen, clothes bank, and linking up with health and veterinarian services (such as Street Vet).
2018
Sofia Solidarity Centre
Whilst undoubtedly saving lives by opening-up the building for shelter, and despite the building being empty for 15+ years, Sofia Solidarity Centre lost in court against the developers that own the building, and were given the weekend to leave. Sofia House is still empty today.
Regeneration and Social Cleansing
Under the guise of 'regeneration' schemes, affordable and council housing in major cities (such as London) is being compulsorily purchased by local authorities, so that developers can 'upgrade' buildings and make more efficient use of space. Displaced owners are rarely offered compensation enough to buy locally, whilst council tenants are not being offered housing in the new buildings.
Today
Regeneration Schemes
In a meta-analysis of 135 projects on London council estates with more than 100 units, researchers at Kings College London (KCL) have found that there are 56,513 units across London which have already or will be demolished through regeneration schemes. Across the regeneration schemes studied:
Evictions: 449,295
Pre-scheme units: 121,515
Post-scheme units: 116,608
New homes: 76,345
New 'Affordable' homes: 29,447
2015
Occupy Estates
In response to the loss of their homes and destruction of their communities, some residents and activists have been taking direct action to occupy estates against eviction and demolition. This includes the the Focus E15 occupation of empty flats on Carpenters' Estate, Stratford (2014); the Aylesbury Estate occupation, Southwark (2015), and the Sweetstopia occupation of Sweetsway Estate, Barnet (2015). There is also an ongoing occupation of Tidemill Gardens in Deptford (2018) against the demolition of the community gardens and nearby housing block, Reginald House.
2011
Camp Constant
In 2011, when travellers faced eviction from Dale Farm, Essex (an ex-scrapyard where a large community had lived for over 10 years) the Camp Constant solidarity protest camp saw activists attempt to defy bailiffs and support the community.
2011
Roadside Encampments
In addition to facing racist prejudice and discrimination at every turn from both the public and formal institutions, gypsy travellers have experienced a significant loss of traditional and local authority stopping sites since CJA 1994; forcing more and more to turn to vulnerable and precarious 'unauthorised roadside encampments'.
Environmentalism
Arguably, Eco-villages and direct actions against environmental degradation are some of the strongest examples of activists using squatting and trespass for protest today. As well as preventing natural destruction, these actions seek to act as experimental blueprints for a future more-sustainable societies.
September 2018
'Public Nuisance'
In September 2018 - and for the first time since the Kinder Scout Trespass (1932) -activists were charged with 'public nuisance'. The Frack-Free Four (3 of whom were charged, but later released on appeal) had 'lorry-surfed' in protest of fracking in Lancashire. Fracking is a particularly harmful type of oil extraction, which has been banned in many countries after causing earthquakes, subsidence, and water pollution; yet this technique is still being pursued for fossil energy in the UK.
1st March 2010
Squatting 'Grow Heathrow'
On 1st March 2010, eco-activists from the group 'Transition Heathrow' occupied an abandoned market site, and 'Grow Heathrow' has been continuously squatted ever since. The protest aims to raise awareness around the environmental impact of commercial air travel, whilst forming solidarities with the people of Sipson against plans for a third runway at Heathrow (which would mean the destruction of the village).
2010 onwards
Community events
The site is largely self-sustainable, with many of the occupiers living in sheds or treehouses, using renewable power, and growing their own food. They also run regular community events, including music, poetry, as well as bike repair and permaculture workshops.
2010
Creative Disobedience
Since 2010, Liberate Tate and BPor not BP have organised creative disobedience towards the Tate art gallery and British Museum, arguing that such public institutions should not be sponsored by destructive oil companies. Actions have included performance (e.g. the 'Exorcism of BP' with Reverend Billy, July 2011); interventions (e.g. artists removing their work); and occupations.
Reclaiming the City
The city is not experienced in the same way by everybody. It can, for instance, be oppressive for women, LGBT+, black,Asian, and ethnic minorities, the disabled, pedestrians and cyclists, who may face harassment or an inability to move safely through urban space. Some groups are taking action to reclaim the city from such oppressive social structures.
2011
'Still not asking for it'
Since 2011, women from all over the world have taken part in Slut walk protests, calling for the end of rape culture, including victim-blaming and slut-shaming of sexual assault victims. Raising issues of consent, some protesters strip off their clothes, whilst holding signs which read 'Still Not Asking For It', fighting back against rape apologists who blame sexual assault on a victim's appearance or choice of clothing.
2004 onwards
Reclaiming the Night
While the first Reclaim the Night march in the UK took place on 12th November 1977, the London Feminist Network have organised an annual national march ever since 2004. The action demands justice for rape survivors and all victims of male violence against women, whilst highlighting the fear of rape, sexual assault, and harassment that women face on city streets at night.
29th November 2013
'Die-in' Protest
On 29th November 2013, over 1000 cyclists staged a 'die-in' protest outside the Transport for London building. Sparked by the death of a cyclist who was crushed by a lorry turning across a cycle lane; the action aimed to highlight a lack of safety for cyclists across the city. The group 'Stop Killing Cyclists' have organised similar protests ever since.
Today
Guerilla Gardening
Guerrilla Gardening is the act of cultivating land which you do not own, such as abandoned sites, private property, and public byways. The aim is to reclaim and challenge the ownership of neglected or misused urban land.
Today
Loiterers Resistance Movement
The Loiterers' Resistance Movement (The LRM) is a Manchester based collective of artists, activists, and urban wanderers interested in public space and the hidden stories of the city. Their aim is to nurture an awareness of everyday space, (re)engaging with, (re)mapping, and (re)enchanting the city.
'Our city
is wonderful and made for more than shopping. The streets belong to everyone and we want to reclaim them for play and revolutionary fun'
- Morag Rose, The LRM
Art and Culture
As in the past, squatting and trespass continue to provide spaces for alternative, non-profit, artistic creativity and cultural experimentation, without the need for expensive studios, equipment, or tuition fees, allowing more people to access such activities and practice new skills. The city is also a unique canvas and has aesthetic qualities in-itself.
2001 onwards
TAA
Temporary Autonomous Art (TAA) has been organising one-off events in squats since 2001. In May 2018, the group squatted a building in Bow, but were evicted before they had even finished setting up. As any good crew knows, however, you need to be 2 or 3 buildings ahead of the bailiffs, and they later squatted an empty office block in Charlton (with spectacular rooftop views towards the city). As well as corridors and offices turned into art galleries for various installations, the event included talks, workshops, music, film screenings, poetry, and cabaret.
Today
Patchwerk Soundsystem
There are still crews (such as Patchwerk Sound system) keeping the rave and squat-party scene alive, with events taking place most weekends (whether in a rural setting or in an abandoned warehouse/office block). As well as providing opportunities for budding DJs, MCs,and spoken-word poets to perform, the raves are also ecologically-minded (e.g. making sure they tidy up after each event).
Today
Street Artists
As well as drawing inspiration from the unique aesthetic and publicity of urban walls, Street Art relies on disused spaces in order for artists to practice and perfect their skill. Graffiti can also be a political challenge,either through the explicit message of the artwork, or simply by reclaiming urban spaces for those otherwise denied an outlet for their voice or appearance. There is always a risk, however, that street art is incorporated into urban cultural Industries.
Today
Urban Exploration
Urban Exploration (urbex or UE) is the exploration of man made structures, usually abandoned sites, buildings or rarely-seen components of the environment, such as drains,culverts and tunnels. Those who take part in urbex adhere to a code to 'take only photographs, leave only footprints'.
Anti-Racism
Squats and occupations have long been a target for far-right and fascist violence, but activists are fighting back against the rise of racist organisations on city streets, as well as the structural racism of formal institutions (including the police, universities, and cultural institutions such as art galleries or museums).
January 2017
ANAL
In January 2017, a group called the Autonomous Nation of Anarchist Libertarians (ANAL) squatted an empty Russian owned £15m home in Eaton Square, London, with the intention of turning it into a homeless shelter. The building was later attacked by a far-right group, but they were able to fend them off using fire extinguishers.
Today
Antifa
Antifa are an international network of militant activists, willing to use direct action and violence in order to confront white supremacists, neo-Nazis and racist groups.
2013
Black Lives Matter
Beginning in the U.S in 2013 as a response to police violence against black communities, and the acquittal of the officer who murdered Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter (BLM) are now a global network of more than 40 groups. Their aim is to build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. In the UK, a number of different groups came together as BLM UK who, as well as addressing police violence, are also active in the anti-deportation movement.
2015
RHODES Must Fall
In early 2015, Rhodes Must Fall successfully campaigned to remove a statue of Cecil Rhodes from the University of Cape Town. Rhodes was a notorious mining magnate and a staunch defender of imperialism, arguing the more land 'Anglo-Saxons' inhabited, the better for humanity. At Oxford University, students campaigned to remove the statue at Oriel College and decolonise the curriculum by better representing non-white history. Despite a student union vote in favour of removal, the university refused after donors threatened to withdraw £100m of donations.
Refugee Solidarity
In response to the refugee crisis - and a wider context of animosity, fear, nationalism, jingoism and racism towards people forced to migrate in search of safety and a better life - a number of activists are using direct action (including squatting, trespass, and occupations) in order to defend and fight for refugee and migrant rights.
On 6th September 2016, protesters from Black Lives Matter UK shut down London City Airport.
Their aim was to 'highlight the UK's environmental impact on the lives of black people locally and globally' arguing that 'whilst at London City Airport a small elite is able to fly, in 2016 alone 3176 migrants are known to have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean'.
2005
City of Sanctuary UK
Beginning in Sheffield in 2005, City of Sanctuary UK aims to challenge how people view refugees, arguing that the UK should be a welcoming place of safety and sanctuary for those fleeing violence and persecution. Assist, who are part of this movement, work to prevent unsuccessful asylum applicants from destitution, by finding shelter, food,and medical & legal support.
January 2017
Bridges Not Walls
In January 2017, Donald Trump was sworn in as U.S. President, following a campaign promise to build an 'impenetrable, physical, tall, powerful, beautiful, southern border wall' along the US-Mexico border. Activists responded by dropping 'Bridges Not Walls' banners from major bridges around the globe, along with other messages of 'solidarity and common humanity'. There were more than 150 banner drops in the UK alone.
28th March 2017
'No-one is illegal'
On 28th March 2017, 15 activists from the campaign group End Deportations broke onto the runway at Stansted Airport and chained themselves to a plane, unfurling banners which read 'mass deportations kill'and 'no-one is illegal'. The flight had been chartered by the Home Office to deport undocumented migrants to Nigeria, Ghana,and Sierra Leone, which the #stansted15 argued was in breach of their human rights.
Defending Public Education
In England, there has been a steady turn away from seeing education as a public asset, and towards treating universities, colleges, and schools as corporate profit-driven entities. Academics are now made to compete under increasingly precarious and exploitative conditions, while students (since 2010) have faced tuition fees in excess of £9000 per year.
2014
'Cops off Campus'
While student occupations are not new, they have had a renaissance in recent years as part of protests against tuition fees and the marketisation of higher education. In Warwick, Senate House has been occupied on multiple occasions, but in 2014 police used CS gas and violence to evict the the occupiers (an act which the university management failed to condemn, sparking the 'Cops off Campus' campaign). In Sheffield, the Arts Tower was occupied once again in 2018 in solidarity with staff pension strikes.
2010
Discontinuing EMA
In 2010, and despite an election promise to abolish fees, the Liberal Democrats voted in support of the Conservatives to discontinue EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) - which had allowed 16 &17 year olds from poorer backgrounds to take the exams necessary for university places - and to treble the university tuition fees cap to £9000.
November 2010
Millbank riot
In November 2010, anti-fees protests saw property destruction, street marches, and barricades, as well as occupations of university buildings across the country and 30 Millbank (the campaign headquarters of the Conservative party). When the riot police came to evict Millbank, they pelted them with eggs, rotten fruit, and shards of glass.
9th December 2010
Police brutality
On 9th December, as the vote was about to take place, another protest was organised outside the Houses of Parliament. Police kettled thousands of people into the square, preventing them from leaving, before leading a cavalry charge right through the centre of the crowd, hitting some students with batons.
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