Over 20 students have occupied the seminar room (MB1019) of Lincoln University following a protest involving various groups and non-affiliates of many ages and positions.

Initially planned to only take place for one night, following the outcome of yesterdays disastrous vote, occupiers have voted to continue indefinitely. "Following this evening’s news, and the increasing of tuition fee caps to £6,000 and £9,000, we here in room MB1019 have elected to continue our occupation indefinitely."

This is the first occupation to ever take place in Lincoln University and has had support lent from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor as well as other lectures.

At moment the occupation took place, no interest was taken by police officers who had been ‘escorting’ the protest beforehand. They immediately left the university grounds, with a reliable source over hearing them naming MP Karl McCartney a “Dim Tim”.

The occupation is in solidarity with Trade Unions, College students and workers at the University. This is sending a strong message that students and workers will not be divided, despite media and politicians desperate attempts. As the situation worsens unity must strengthen.

Food has been gratefully provided by Veggies, a 26 year old vegan catering campaign, who also provided for the successful Nottingham University occupation. I urge you to check out their inspiring project:  http://www.veggies.org.uk/


Show solidarity with University occupiers; disseminate, advocate and educate!

Follow the occupiers on:  http://uloccupation.wordpress.com/



Demands

We demand that the university does as much as it can to prevent disruption to students whilst there is an ongoing occupation, and that we will accommodate all lectures and any other student activity.
• We are against a rise in tuition fees and support free education as a right for all.
• We are against all cuts to public services and welfare. We believe that the government should readdress the issue of corporate tax avoidance, and senior bankers’ bonuses. We believe in investment, not cuts, in Higher Education and public services.
• We demand the right to recall all MPs, specifically Karl McCartney as our local MP, who act in their own interests as opposed to that of their constituents (for example: The Commons Racecourse).
• We are in solidarity with all workers and those affected by the cuts proposed. We especially support the members of the Lincoln & District Trades’ Council; UNISON; UCU; PCS; Lincolnshire Police; Lincoln Stop the Cuts; and all university staff, and any industrial action they choose to take.
• We demand the immediate re-instatement of EMA, for all further education students.
• We demand the university publicise (through all available channels) the ways in which the cuts will affect staff and students.
• We demand that there is no victimisation of anybody involved in protesting against the cuts.
• We call upon the institutions of the University of Lincoln; Bishop Grosseteste University College; Lincoln College; all Lincoln schools, and their senior staff to defend education by actively and publicly opposing the cuts.
• We demand that the university ends the casualisation of its teaching staff. All workers to be offered full contracts and employee status.
• We demand that the universities make serious efforts to address stressed and over-worked staff.