Dame Vivienne Westwood and Jeremy Corbyn MP visit Occupy London

Yesterday internationally renowned fashion designer Vivienne Westwood visited Occupy London – which is challenging social and economic injustice as part of the global fight for real democracy – at its London Stock Exchange camp by St Paul’s Cathedral.

Speaking to around 400 people gathered at the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral Vivienne said: “What you’re doing, I think it’s wonderful.” Then she went on to outline her fears about climate catastrophe, stating it “is connected completely to the financial situation.”

Vivienne’s visit came in a week that has seen the St Paul’s site served with eviction, and on the day that Occupy London opened its third space and first building at 29 Sun Street, in the borough of Hackney just near Broadgate and Liverpool Street. The new space, which has been dubbed the ‘Bank of Ideas’, is a huge abandoned office block owned by investment bank UBS, which Occupy London has taken in an act of ‘public repossession’, and is now transforming into a space for political discussion and debate. [1] [2]

Vivienne called on everyone to become art lovers, urging people to make use of free access to the National Gallery down the road, saying “An art lover is a freedom fighter.”

Vivienne stayed after her speech to talk to protesters at the occupation and members of the public.

The occupation was also addressed by Jeremy Corbyn MP for Islington North, who spoke of the need to make the links between those in power and the international agenda on wars, calling for strong opposition against the attack on Iran.

Notes

Read more at Occupy the London Stock Exchange