St Paul's Protestors - Ruling Due

Occupy protestors camped outside St Paul’s Cathedral, will hear today if they are to be forcibly evicted.

High court judge, Mr Justice Lindblom is due to rule this afternoon, on the fate of the protest camp.

If the protestors are evicted, Christians have pledged to support them by forming a ring of prayer in peaceful and non-violent resistance.

The camp began in October, when protestors were prevented from Occupying land outside the London Stock Exchange, and instead set up home in the church yard of nearby St Paul’s.

Now Mr Justice Lindblom, who visited the site during the five day hearing in December, is due to rule on whether the camp should be allowed to remain in situ or not.

If he rules that it is no longer lawful for protestors to stay on the site, attempts may be made to forcibly remove them, which some have suggested will bring about scenes reminiscent of the Dale Farm evictions.

Although there had been pressure on the Judge to give an immediate decision, the camp was given leave to remain in place through Christmas, when the Mr Justice Lindblom said he needed time to reflect before making the decision.

Legal counsel had claimed that the camp was causing significant difficulties for the Cathedral amd members of the public.

Barrister David Forsdick speaking for the Corporation of London said protesters were forcing others to make sacrifices. He said: "We do not live in a system under which even the most passionate protester can decide what detriment others should be prepared to tolerate."

But this morning 83 Christians had signed a petition to pledge their support to protestors, and promised to ring the protest camp in prayer should authorities move in.