The demands to the University include the following;

 

 

The students involved consist of a coalition of various societies including, Socialist Workers Student Society and People and Planet, along with others who simply feel affiliated with the population of Gaza.

 

Members of UWE’s Security & Operations team have been policing the area since the occupation began, though the authorities have not yet been contacted. When the Western Eye tried to talk to security at 11am to see what further action would be occurring, no one was available at the office. We were informed by the receptionist that this was because they were “all out keeping an eye on B Block.”

 

The protest has so far been peaceful and little conflict has arisen. It looks that this occupation will continue in this manner for the indefinite future.

 

A protestor who wished to remain anonymous said; “we are making every effort we can to avoid disruption of any lectures or seminars: education is obviously vital.”  He continued; “this has from the start been a democratic campaign, every step of the way a calm talk has lead to a decision.”

 

He argued that their demands may seem big but are in fact reasonable; “other campaigns, in other universities show that these demands aren’t unrealistic.” Of all the demands made this protester seemed most intent on the University proving that they are not investing in arms companies which could be supplying weapons to Israel. He commented, “If the University is investing in such arms companies, we have a right to know, it’s our fees after all.”

Another student told how rough sleeping in the foyer had been, “about twenty of us stayed overnight, but only about 15 got any sleep.”

 

At 10am the lagging group sent me and another off for some supplies;

 

A protestors shopping basket included;

 

A 4 pint carton of milk (for a lot of tea and coffee)

A few bottles of Ribena

Two cheese and onion sandwiches

A few packets of crisps

5 satsumas

2 apples

8 bananas

 

Sandwiches and baked foods were also being brought in during the course of the morning, increasingly suggesting that the group were expecting a long wait for the university to respond to their action.

 

When the second lectures of the day began, students going in and out of the 2b25 lecture theatre were greeted with campaigner’s handing out flyers. As students congregated in the foyer they picked up flyers whilst suspiciously eying the stands and the sleepy protestors. A spokesman was also allowed to go in for a quick speech at the beginning of a first year Management & Organisational Behaviour lecture. As the coalition spokesman stood alone in front of a lecture theatre of serious looking students he quickly explained the stands outside of their study area and encouraged them to support his cause.

 

Lead campaigner Tom Ramplin commented on the progress of the group earlier this morning, “the campaign is going well. We now have a meeting with Steve West tomorrow." Tom Ramplin also proudly stated that, " Tony Benn sent to the group a message of solidarity for the on going campaign." Tony Benn is said to have stated, "I strongly support your occupation. You are utilising a very powerful tool, one thats currently being used all over Britain in support for Gaza." It would seem that protesters will be staying put at least until the meeting with Steve, though at this stage it is unclear what the meeting will address.
 

Another meeting held by the groups will take place at 5.30pm today in 2b25.