Statement about encampment on our estate

Update on 7 August 2024

The University of London can confirm that today, Wednesday 7 August, a second encampment established at a part of its Bloomsbury estate known as Christchurch has closed peacefully.

The second encampment was established by protestors who had previously occupied a part of the University’s estate known as the Fourth Quadrant. That encampment was closed following the University’s successful application to the Courts for a possession order. 

Update on 6 August 2024

As noted in our statement from Monday 5 August, the University of London was successful in its application for an order for possession which required those at the encampment occupying the Fourth Quadrant, Malet Street, (also known as the South Quad) to leave that land. The University of London confirms that the occupation of the Fourth Quadrant has now ended peacefully.

However, without the University of London’s permission or consent, the encampment has now relocated to another part of its estate. 

The University has informed the occupants that they are on private land and their occupation constitutes a trespass. As such, the University of London is asking the occupants to leave.

The University of London hopes that the area will be vacated voluntarily. If not, the University will have no choice but to issue Court proceedings, or take other actions it considers necessary to bring the occupation to an end.

Update on 5 August 2024

The University of London has been granted a possession order for a part of its campus, which is currently being illegally occupied by protestors. While the University supports the right to free speech and peaceful protest within the law, we must put the safety and security of everyone who uses our Bloomsbury estate first, as well as ensuring that we protect the historic buildings of our estate. We will be working with those in the camp to help bring a peaceful end to the protest without the need to formally enforce the order which was made. We will now repair the area so it can be returned to use by everyone who uses our Bloomsbury estate.

Statement on 30 July 2024

The University has today (30 July 2024) served papers to protestors as part of a formal request to the High Court seeking a possession order for part of our land, including where the encampment is based. The High Court has set a date for a hearing on 31 July 2024. 

As a University, we are committed to free speech and freedom of expression, and we support and respect the right of students to protest peacefully – as long as it is safe and remains within the law. However, the occupation of our North Quad is unlawful and, in recent weeks, the situation has escalated.  

We have seen incidences of intimidation, physical assault and criminal damage. Users of the area have reported that they feel threatened and intimidated by some of the activities surrounding the encampment.  

Earlier this month the police had to be called following an altercation around the encampment. This resulted in seven arrests being made.  

Our security and facilities teams have had to, on multiple occasions, remove graffiti from both Senate House and the surrounding buildings.   

The health and safety situation is also becoming increasingly problematic. We have seen an increase in the number of tents, pallets and other combustible items in the area, including large gas canisters. Pathways and fire escapes have had to be cleared of blockages and certain parts of our estate are now inaccessible to us.   

Managing the situation is also taking its toll on staff, particularly on frontline colleagues who are on call 24/7.  

The current situation cannot continue and we now feel that our only course of action is to obtain a possession order from the Courts.   

The encampment protest is a result of the conflict in Gaza, Israel and the Middle East, which has understandably shaken our community and people around the world. Our thoughts go to everyone directly affected by the violence and loss of life, and we continue to reach out to students in the region to offer support. We are also in discussions to provide support and resources via our Centre for Online and Distance Education (CODE) to universities in the Gaza region.