Chief executive of the non-profit organisation Essential Edinburgh
visited our camp tonight to discuss the arrangement of our camp and
how it could be re-calibrated in order to accommodate the winter
festivities planned to take place within the square.
Occupy Edinburgh consented Mr Neil’s proposal to move our tents and
camping equipment to the edges of the square to free the central area
to allow the inclusion of a stage, lights and decorations and an area
for the public to view the festivities. In addition, the chief
executive offered our camp additional storage to accommodate the space
we will lose.
Mr Neil promised that our occupation could re-convene in the center of
the square when the winter festivities end on January 4th 2012.
The Green Group on the Edinburgh City Council has submitted a motion,
asking that the council support our Occupy Edinburgh. The motion will
be considered at a full council meeting on the 24th of November.
Occupy Edinburgh are encouraging all their supporters to contact their
local councillors to support the motion.
- See below the motion from the Green Group:
THE CITY OF EDINBURGH COUNCIL
-
- 24th November 2011
-
- GREEN GROUP MOTION
- Support for Occupy Edinburgh
-
- Council:
-
- Notes that the encampment of citizens in St. Andrew Square, ‘Occupy
Edinburgh’, represents one part of a growing, global movement for real
democracy, authentic global equality and justice, and a sustainable
economic and ecological future;
-
- Notes that this occupation, together with the more than 1000 others
worldwide, is not simply a protest, but an effort to bring to life the
inclusive, equitable and sustainable systems desired;
-
- Notes that this movement, and its participants in Edinburgh, have
significant support in the wider population;
-
- Believes that given the mistakes made by financial traders, the
profits of these companies and their shareholders should be tapped
before cuts are made to public sector spending. It is unacceptable
that bailouts are being paid for at the expense of public services,
and this must never be allowed to happen again;
- Believes that an economy functional only on top of endlessly growing
consumption is causing significant environmental damage and must
ultimately deplete our planet’s resources and cause irreversible
environmental damage. This must end now;
- Believes that these demands are not only fair, but are in fact the
only reasonable response in the face of the crisis faced by our
current economic system, our communities and our planet;
-
- Believes that, by setting a example, Edinburgh can help our national
governments, and the wider world, to finally accept the real and
fundamental changes that are so desperately needed to salvage a
sustainable future;
-
- Thus supports the values of Occupy Edinburgh;
-
- Supports the participants of the St. Andrew Square occupation in
demanding that these values be recognised and acted upon by all
governmental bodies in the UK, and worldwide;
-
- Commits to return our democracy to the people, and to work together
immediately to create a new, sustainable and equitable Scotland.
-
Proposed: Maggie Chapman
