Occupy London target the British Bankers' Association

Tuesday 15th May 2012 – 11.10am
Author: katy.d
comments

Occupy London are targeting the British Bankers' Association in central London this afternoon.

To mark one year since the beginning of the indignados movement in Spain, Occupy London will 'target an institution that has bought our democracy. One that stands in the way of structural change.' The British Bankers' Association is a lobbying group for the financial sector. It represents over 200 financial institutions and lobbies Parliament.

Occupy have explained that 'The BBA symbolizes a wider problem in our society: money and private corporations have more influence over our politicians than we do'.

The protesters have called on their supporters to dress up, bring banners and balloons, drums, pots and pans, instruments of all varieties and sound-systems as they attempt to disrupt the institution and 'deny them any peace and quiet'.

For the first time Occupy are set to be joined by the newly formed London Bike Swarm. Inspired by PDX Bike Swarm, a group of cyclists who support Occupy Portland in the US, London Bike Swarm aim to protect and support Occupy London. They will be using bicycles "to fly around the streets, protect the march, bring messages to-and-fro and remind the protestors with our smiles and ringing bells to stay nonviolent, excited, and diligent."

The activities started at 11am, meeting in Russell Square, before touring banks in the City of London and heading to the British Bankers' Association on Old Broad Street.

Having moved on from Russell Square, Occupy London protesters have targeted a Barclays bank with banners and chanting. People taking part in the march have reported a high police presence outside every bank along High Holborn.

The protesters reached the London Stock Exchange. City of London police seen protecting the entrance.

One protester was escorted from a Topshop store, targeted due to allegations that owner Sir Philip Green evades taxation.

Protesters cordon off the entrance to RBS in the City of London.

A large crowd of protesters has reached the British Bankers' Association, who activist @JamieKelseyFry has described as "where a few people have caused such destruction".