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The international squatting symbol |
According to Robert Neuwith , author of Shadow cities ,there are more than a billion squatters living on this planet. One in seven people.
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Brazilian squat community |
Evidently there is a huge global need for land to grow food on and homes in which to live. Yet, according to academic Kesia Reeve, “squatting is largely absent from policy and academic debate and is rarely conceptualized, as a problem, as a symptom, or as a social or housing movement.”
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South African Squats |
The global response on the part of the 1% has been to make squatting illegal in most countries. Despite this criminalisation of a huge political movement, (squatting is political), the occupation of empty buildings and land continues.
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Squatted Land in London |
In the UK, section 144 of the legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders bill 2012 criminalises squatting in a residential buildings. The Advisory Service for Squatters (ASS) keep their website current and will let people know when this legislation is enacted. Check it for updates: www.squatter.org.uk
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Jamaican squat |
Eviction Resistance will be hosting the next London squattastic event. This will be a great opportunity for London squatters, and guests to come together to brain storm tactics that will ensure squatting continues in England and Wales post criminalisation . It will be on the 2nd of September, from 2pm-6pm. Keep checking this blog for more updates.
Posted in 2012, autonomous spaces, bailiffs, conservative party, council housing, crisis, eviction, homeless, london, possession order, protest, resistance, section 6, shelter, social housing, squat, squatters, squatting