the government's sham consultation over legislation (which they've already announced they will bring in) was met this evening with action from squatting activists.

the short government consultation resulted in 95% of respondents, including police, housing associations, homeless charities, and activists, who were against government plans to criminalise squatting. yet the government is hoping to pass the new legislation as part of a legal bill which is also withdrawing legal aid from women in cases of domestic violence, and from people who have been unlawfully arrested or raided by police.

as a result of the govt ignoring its own democratic process, the squash campaign group called for action tonight and tomorrow.

this evening, a 300-strong critical mass bike ride joined together with pedestrians at high street kensington, and began with a protest outside the evening standard hq (over its scaremongering and inaccurate reports on squatters).

now, a group is sleeping out at the old palace yard opposite parliament (just to the west of parliament square). meanwhile there are reports that the critical mass was "attacked" by police on the new king's road.

the old palace yard group are calling for support - bring sleeping bags.

in the morning, they will be performing a "mass homelessness registration" at 9am at the westminster housing options service at 101 orchardson street nw8 (as in room 101?)

later from noon they are holding a rally outside parliament and from 2.30 they have a committee room booked where you can meet your MP face to face to ask them to vote against the amendment.

the day will end with another critical mass bike ride (meeting at waterloo bridge at 5pm - sound system arranged).

more details on the squash campaign blog at http://www.squashcampaign.org/2011/10/essential-final-details-for-squash-action/