Ken Clarke targeted in squatting protest
Joseph Blake | 15.09.2011 17:51
Today Ken Clarkes home was targeted by squatters in protest against government plans to criminalise squatting. Squatters and supporters of squatting from across London stood on the porch of Clarkes terraced house unfurling a banner which read "housing is a human right" and served a mock six month eviction notice on him.
From there the group went on to target other locations related to the proposed new law to criminalise the homeless. Alistair Darlings TV interview on College Green was disrupted and the recently vacated Lib-Dem HQ was targeted too. Phoenix, one of the squatters involved in the protests joked: "It's now an empty property. It would make a perfect community centre,".
However, the squatters had a very serious message to deliver as Joseph Blake from SQUASH (Squatters Action for Secure Homes) said:
"Today's protests against the criminalisation of squatting hopefully marks the first of many days of action across the country. Ken Clarke was targeted because by attempting to criminalise squatting he is essentially criminalising the homeless in the middle of a housing crisis and people are rightfully angry. This proposed bill will only serve the interests of property speculators and unscrupulous landlords whilst at the same time criminalising the last remaining option for many to put a roof over their heads."1c
However, the squatters had a very serious message to deliver as Joseph Blake from SQUASH (Squatters Action for Secure Homes) said:
"Today's protests against the criminalisation of squatting hopefully marks the first of many days of action across the country. Ken Clarke was targeted because by attempting to criminalise squatting he is essentially criminalising the homeless in the middle of a housing crisis and people are rightfully angry. This proposed bill will only serve the interests of property speculators and unscrupulous landlords whilst at the same time criminalising the last remaining option for many to put a roof over their heads."1c
Joseph Blake