The Olympic Torch Arrives in London

The Olympic torch has arrived in London. It began its tour this morning leaving Camden at 6:48am weaving its way towards Kings Cross where it arrived by barge along Regents Canal stopping at the steps to Granary Square. For this section the torch bearer was Paris Walker. As she stepped off the barge she was welcomed by a choir of young singers and showered with sparkling ticker tape. The torch was passed on to the next runner at the top of the stairs and left for St Pancras Station. It will continue on around the city arriving at Hyde Park around 4:30pm this afternoon.

Although the majority were delighted others aren't so enamoured with the Olympics.

Caption Quest

"You seem to have mis-placed your collar sir. Don't tell me the protestors have out-foxed you"

I'm sure you can all come up with a better caption than me. A treat for me to return home to.

Syria in Trafalgar Square

A young protester in Trafalgar Square yesterday supporting the Amnesty rally as part of the global day of action in solidarity with Syria, Egypt and the wider middle east.

Vigil for Manning

Yesterday Bradley Manning turned 24 he spent the day at a Military Court in Fort Meade Maryland. He has been in prison since 25 May 2010 for allegedly passing state secrets to wiki Leaks. Supporters for Manning in London held a vigil in Oxford St and outside the American Embassy. For an update on the proceedings here is the Guardian report.

December Theme Day - Action

First of the month is theme day in the City Daily Photo community (CDP) with today's theme being action.
Yesterday thousands of public servants throughout the UK took action against the proposed changes to their pension.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Student Process

Thousands of students marched through London yesterday is a relatively peaceful protest against cuts in education and increases in student fees. The protest march was flanked on all sides by 4,000 police directing the route of the students.

Protest Spreads

A second camp in Finsbury Square set up nearly a week ago. Partly as there is no more space around St Paul's Cathederal and also to show this protest is not going to finish any time soon.
A recent update from the Daily Mail here.

Protest Update

St Paul's Cathedral yesterday closed its doors to the public. The first time since World War II. The protesters gathered in the afternoon to discuss the letter from the Dean, in which he sited health and safety reasons for the closure and asked that the protesters end their occupation. You can read more on this discussion in the BBC's report here.

Economic Protests

Thousands have been protesting around the world against corporate greed. In London the protesters are camped around St Paul's Cathedral. This area borders the offices of the city workers. Paternoster Square is cordoned off and guarded by security personal, effectively locking in the city workers. The protesters are saying they will be there until Christmas. I'll keep you posted.

Naked Bike Ride

To highlight the vulnerability of the cyclist and protest about the dependency on oil and the car culture more then 1,000 stripped (dare as you bare) and rode the 9 miles around central London. The Naked Bike Ride is an annual event that takes place in 50 countries.

No Means No

Thousands marched in central London yesterday as part of the international Slutwalk campaign, in response to the Canadian policeman's comments that women should stop dressing like sluts to avoid victimisation and rape.


No means No. The way we dress is not a reason that should ever be accepted as an excuse for violence.

Hundreds of Thousands Protest

Figures range from quarter of a million to half a million, however there was no doubt it was one of London's biggest demonstrations. Protesters ranged from the very young to the very old all with a clear message, some humorous, but all expressing opposition to the government's proposed cuts.

Libya Protest

For the past month a group of protesters has held a vigil outside the Libyan Embassy.

Continuing Student Protests

Yesterday was the controversial vote in Westminster that passed an increase in students fees.

Student Protests

Thousands of students protested yesterday in the second day of action against education cuts and increases in tuition fees.

Refugee Day

Hundreds carrying white umbrellas marched down Whitehall yesterday for world refugee day. Similar parades took place in eight other European cities.
The white umbrellas symbolise care, safety and shelter in foreign countries for those in need of international protection.

Demonstration

With a general election only weeks away politicians are campaigning hard with all parties talking of job losses.

Pensioners, trade unions and students marched through the streets of London on Saturday to convey their message that cuts would not be tolerated. That ordinary people should not be expected to pay the price for failure of the banking sector.

What More?

Just when you thought I'd finished with protests I drop another one in. Well you had to see what was happening in Trafalgar Square on Wednesday. The atmosphere here was more festive than that around the banking part of town. On stage is Julie Felix singing a protest song especially for the event.

G20 Protests

Yesterday saw protests around the city. You can't be in London and be unaware that the G20 is happening. Streets are closed. Police are everywhere. However the biggest group must be the media. They are here from all over the world. Many might be better employed writing fairy stories. Forget aggressive protesters, its the media who win hands down.
The front line was a mass of media.

The Protests Begin

The G20 meeting takes place in London next Wednesday. Today was the first of the many protests that will take place in the city over the next week. Thousands marched from Embankment to Hyde Park.