Protesters who camped outside London’s St Paul’s Cathedral are to be invited back for official outdoor “general assemblies” in the wake of their “tent” protest, it has emerged.
The anti-capitalist tent encampment, which has been in the shadows of one of the capital’s most recognisable buildings since last October, was dismantled in a largely peaceful night-time operation early yesterday. Up to 300 riot police and 100 bailiffs arrived just after midnight and took two hours and 17 minutes to dismantle wooden structures and loaded tents, placards and banners into rubbish lorries. Around 23 people were arrested amid minor scuffles. The Occupy the London Stock Exchange (Occupylsx) protesters are now considering a Cathedral proposal to host official “general assemblies” on the steps outside the central London building. Under the plans, the anti-capitalist group would host debates and meetings on the Cathedral’s steps once a week on a Saturday afternoon.
The debates, backed by Cathedral officials, would last a couple of hours but would finish by 5pm in time for evening church services.