Oxford students (including several from Brookes University and Ruskin College) have occupied the University of Oxford's Exam Schools. This is in protest against government plans for University Top UP fees and threats from the University that it might seek to privatise itself if fees are not voted through.

There are currently students staying over night after a meeting at 12am that had over 100 people present (this was counted in a vote)

Tony Benn:
A surprise visit from Tony Benn (who just seemed to be passing) was a warming piece of solidarity and support and students in the occupation warmly welcomed his position that Education should be free and that by opposing Blair on this they were also supporting the causes of Public Hospitals, Pensioners, Asylum seekers, anti-war protesters etc.. as Tony Blair and New Labour are responsible for all of them.
Many present view free education as part of a wider fight against capitalism, discrimination and domination (not just some selfish call for more beer money - all students present will be unaffected by government plans.)
see  http://www.osan.org.uk for information on Oxford Students Activist Network

Later:
There was extensive debate about tactics and actions... as well as some disagreement between anti-authoritarians and Students Union types over process. This however produced a nice compromise and had the added bonus of raising awareness of the issue of autonomy and anti-authoritariansm amongst an unfamiliar audience. It concluded with a declaration of common solidarity and support among all present.

The result is that a delagation will go to London tomorrow to protest at parliament while a teach-in takes place in the Exam schools tomorrow morning, dealing with issues such as civil disobedience, Alternatives to TopUP fees and Future actions - all are welcome.

Students are not stopping lectures taking place tomorrow, although the university has said that they themselves may cancel them. Students are encouraging Lecturers to give their lectures anyway.

The NUS (bless them) have said that they will not support Oxford's direct action... but then didn't they support fee's when Blair first imposed them?! NUS the voice of students?

Further Updates will be posted as decisions are made.

for more see

Story:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/oxford/2004/01/284388.html

Photos:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/oxford/2004/01/284390.html

video:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/regions/oxford/2004/01/284402.html

also see www.Ousu.org.