Comments on: The Camp at Finsbury Square

By: Liam T Kirk

Liam T Kirk — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:28:36 +0000

“Exactly a week after demonstrators first gathered upon the steps of St Paul’s and then pitched camp beside the cathedral, a second camp has appeared at Finsbury Sq. It is the same location in Moorfields where protestors gathered in the Summer of 1780, drawn together by many grievances including unemployment, rising prices and a government that was out of touch with the populace. Yet any similarity ends there because – in contrast to their eighteenth century predecessors – these people are committed to staging an entirely peaceful occupation.”

Today 2nd July 2012 has headlines of one million workers on drugs daily – with I suspect a disproportionate high number in currency dealing circles and the resignation of the Chairman of the Board of Barclays bank on the news of a CARTEL regarding LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offering Rate), for those not in the know LIBOR is fundamental to world capital and to abuse LIBOR strikes at the heart of the market-place.

Robber Barons to use the language of the summer of 1780.

This time scale recorded of the creation of the Finsbury Square camp site is of particular interest to me for the OLSX (Occupation of the London Stock Exchange) began, to the best of my knowledge on Saturday 15th October 2011, and I chanced upon OLSX on Friday 21st October, for reasons too ardulous at this moment I was pivotal to the decision to create a second camp site at Finsbury Square.

Would the author be so kind to confirm dates? I would be very grateful.

By: Fernando

Fernando — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:57:52 +0000

Dear author,
FYI these sort of protests took place in Madrid way before NYC. (“los indignados”)

By: Tanya

Tanya — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:11:06 +0000

“If these people had jobs…” Obviously the previous comment writer does not get it. So many people DON”T have jobs because of capitalism. Jobs are lost because profit comes first.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:22:58 +0000

I’m pleased to read that money does not mean much to the investment banker -presumably he gives most of his away…

By: St Paul

St Paul — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:35:06 +0000

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

By: MARIA

MARIA — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:46:42 +0000

this can’t last, surely!
i can’t see the logic of occupying streets with tents
there is possibly a reason that i don’t understand on what they’re on about:
i’ve go’ an ‘ome (‘n’ job) to go to

By: melissa

melissa — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:47:31 +0000

For shame – the protesters totally missed a treat there. I can think of no better place to use the “Now is the winter of our discount tent” gag!

By: Bill Ellson

Bill Ellson — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:50:30 +0000

I do find it rather odd that when you have a Criminal Life category that you choose to post this under Street Life.

Finsbury Square is a ‘protected square’ as listed in the London Squares Preservation Act 1931 (21 & 22 Geo.5 c.xciii) which states at section 3(1):

“Subject to the provisions of this Act a protected square shall not be used otherwise than for one or more of the following purposes (that is to say) the purpose of an ornamental garden pleasure ground or ground for play rest or recreation (in this Act referred to as “authorised purposes”) and no building or other structure or erection shall be erected or placed on or over any protected square except such as may be necessary or convenient for or in connection with the use and maintenance of such square for one or more of the authorised purposes.”

S3(9) makes it a criminal offence to contravene the above, s3(10) gives the council powers to obtain injunctions and s3(11) imposes a duty on LB Islington to enforce the above.

Both Islington Council and the Met Police are well aware that the camp is illegal, and of LB Islington’s duty to enforce the law, but the reason that they may be reluctant to enforce the law is that Islington has made a lot of money over the years by renting out the square for equally illegal corporate entertainment also depriving the public of their right to use the square.

By: Nota Bene

Nota Bene — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:32:39 +0000

I support their aims….and their location – this is where the city normally erects a structure to house their christmas celebrations…

By: Vicky

Vicky — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:59:42 +0000

I visited the camp at St Paul’s on Friday and was amazed at how incredibly well organised it was. The tents were pitched tightly together in two main areas with a pathway between leading to the Cathedral steps where there was ample room for visitors to gain access. The wide pavement by the shops was kept clear allowing the public to pass by unimpeded. There was a food tent, a first aid tent, a meditation tent, an information tent and portaloos. The request that nothing be attached to the walls of the Cathedral and that megaphones not be used was fully respected. Protestors were engaged in conversations with the public as were the Police. It was all very friendly and calm. But the message of the protest was loud and clear, the banners and placards made their points well and you could not come away without thinking further about the issues and what, in whatever capacity and however briefly, you had just been a part of.