Excitement grows for April actions
Article published: Tuesday, February 12th 2008
With the global call out ringing in the ears of activists, Manchester Mule reports on the squatters gathering in Leeds.
Last weekend saw around 100 people from around the UK begin to organise for a coordinated weekend of squatting action. The activists converged on a beautiful old building in the suburb of Headingly on the outskirts of Leeds. The disused nursing home was transformed into a vibrant discussion and living space where all manner of topics were covered from free parties to providing homes for refugees. There was particular excitement over an international call out for squats and autonomous spaces. In April self organised events will occur all over the world with a common message that celebrates and defends the right to free spaces.
The Leeds meet up lasted for two days and provided those who attended with inspiration and ideas for actions around the UK. Organisers were pleased with the turn out and hoped it would provide a spring board for autonomous actions all over the country. One organiser said Squat networks are impressively well established in many cities across Europe such as Berlin and Barcelona, perhaps this weekend’s meeting will see the UK scene finding new inspiration A Manchester activist attending the event said I just met with three other people from Manchester and we are going to get together soon and make something amazing happen
The police arrived just hours into the gathering but soon backed off when they were treated to an in-depth explanation of the laws regarding squatters rights. This left those in attendance to concentrate on the matter in hand. On the agenda were parties, art exhibitions, social centres as well as homes for the homeless, refugees and those who object to paying for a basic human right. More theoretical topics were also explored such as gender dynamics and issues of drugs in squats. But it was the event in April that got most people talking.
The convergence passed off with little incident although one local student was particularly unimpressed. He was unable to move into his new home because there is a squatter in it.
The global actions will take place around the 11th and 12th of April. There is a meeting in Manchester on 21st February at the Town Hall Tavern on Tib Lane to start to plan for the event.
More: Manchester
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