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61 Curzon Street Squatters - HQ for a London riot?

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Friday 25 March 2011

61 Curzon Street Squatters - HQ for a London riot?

I was walking around Mayfair today and spotted this.


An unusual sight in this moneyed and very privileged part of town!

As I got nearer I saw the door covered with these posters.

Later in the day a new banner had been unfurled.


There were a few leaflets by the door, I picked one up and scanned it.


The text of the leaflet says "You may choose to sit down for a while and hold a ‘People’s Assembly’. Or leave the official route to do something more interesting. Many actions will occur at 11 minutes past 2.00 pm. Act then — or whenever you have the opportunity" 
I do hope that whatever actions are planned, or evolve, from the atmosphere at 2.11pm, they do not involve damaging people or places.

The press release issued by the occupants  is more moderate in tone.

""The BSHQ is not affiliated to any organisation. We have squatted the building at 61 Curzon Street legally to support the anti-cuts demonstration on the 26th of March.

We feel that at a time when the government's cuts are threatening increasing numbers of people with homelessness, the upcoming attack on squatters rights is inhumane. The BSHQ is a good example of why the squatting law should not be changed. This building has been empty for a number of years; we are maintaining it, cleaning it and providing a free place to stay for people who need it, especially participants of the demonstration on the 26th.

We have a "Safer Spaces" policy which aims to create a positive environment free from sexism, racism, homophobia and other forms of oppressive behaviour. Illegal drugs are not allowed and alcohol consumption is limited to a designated area.

We have chosen the name 'The Big Society HQ" as a joke, because David Cameron's concept of "The Big Society" IS a joke: it has no substance. This is what real self-organised community empowerment looks like!"
The property already has an Interim Possession Order on the door from Hamlins solicitors, stating that the hearing to re-claim possession of the property will begin March 30th at 10am.

Tomorrow the Trades Union Congress have a massive 'March for the Alternative' protest from Victoria Embankment to Hyde Park concerning the government cuts.

Many people have become disillusioned with huge protest movements over the years that never seem to achieve any substantial change.

A number of different actions and occupations will also be held around London throughout the day."

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