Following the successful 24-hour peaceful anti cuts occupation of Trafalgar Square last weekend by an array of individuals and groups - 150 strong at its height - it was decided unanimously to return at 6.30pm on Saturday 9 April for another 24-hour occupation.

6.30pm Saturday 9th April - Trafalgar Square

The group now invites others to join them in creating an overnight camp in Trafalgar Square, building on the momentum of the anti cuts campaign following the half-a-million strong march on 26 March. Present last week were anti cuts activists, students, workers, trade unionists and professionals.

The peaceful occupation intends to raise awareness about how the ideological cuts that the Government is instigating - without mandate - are affecting society’s most vulnerable. The occupation strives to create a common space, in opposition to the increasing privatisation of the public sphere. This will be a safe space for all, including parents and children, where alternatives to current policy can be learned about and discussed. There will also be a variety of activities including workshops, talks, debates, music, games and art.

In addition, following the violent eviction of peaceful protesters on 26 March, the group is determined to defend the right to peaceful protest. The group wishes to show that people can organise themselves peacefully and lawfully, without police intervention. This was successfully demonstrated on the weekend of 2 April, when the police stayed at a distance for the entire occupation, and there were no conflicts or arrests. If there are attempts made to remove participants, they intend to resist non-violently. The group also wishes to show support to those arrested for protesting on 26 March, including the 138 UK Uncut protesters who occupied Fortnum & Mason.

There will be a synchronised pitching of tents at 6.30pm. Individuals and anti cuts groups are invited to join in, bringing their own tents, provisions, banners and flyers. Those unable to camp overnight are welcome to come and visit throughout the occupation. To make the square liveable for 24 hours, participants are asked to look after the area and put litter in bins provided.

Messages of support have been received for the occupation, including from John McDonnell (Labour MP and chair of the Labour Representation Committee), Derek Wall (Green Party), Nicole Lukas (London South Bank Student Union Education Officer-Elect), Peter Tatchell (human rights campaigner), Bill Clarke (Positive Money) as well as members of Coalition of Resistance and UK Uncut.

More information:

Website - http://occupytrafalgarsquare.wordpress.com

Facebook event – Trafalgar Square Anti-Cuts Occupation - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176287425753287 / http://tinyurl.com/OccupyTraf

Twitter - http://twitter.com/OccupyTraf

Defend the Right to Protest Campaign - http://defendtherighttoprotest.org