The Occupy movement that has spread from Wall Street has electrified people across the globe. It has focused attention on the crimes of the financial elite, as well as raising profound questions about the way we live. This is a movement that resonates with millions across the world who agree that the “99%” are suffering while the “1%” enrich themselves.

We therefore oppose utterly the recent attempts to criminalise and violently disperse occupiers in a string of US cities. This is a deliberate, co-ordinated process of trying to stifle protest. We note that Oakland mayor Jean Quan told the BBC that the move against Occupy Oaklandcame after a conference call “with 18 cities across the country who had the same situation”.

As the 1% comes together in an effort to crush the movement, the 99% must come together to defend it. We stand with the US Occupy movement and similar groups across the world. We are also appalled that the City of London Corporation has renewed its threat to take legal action against the St Paul’s occupation. This well-planned occupation has encouraged debates everywhere about the bailout of the banks, the behaviour of corporations, environmental degradation and the future of society. It should be encouraged, not met by intimidation.

It is hugely important that the occupation has made links with the trade unionists who will be on strike on 30 November and the students who continue to defend education. Already over 1,000 trade unionists have signed a petition to support the occupation. As part of the more general need to defend the right to protest, we pledge our support for the St Paul’s occupation and oppose attempts to evict it.
Hannah Dee Chair Defend the Right to Protest,
Tony Benn,
John McDonnell MP,
Mark Serwotka General secretary, PCS
Liam Burns NUS president
Billy Hayes General secretary CWU
Kevin Courtney Deputy general secretary, NUT
Zita Holbourne BARAC and PCS NEC
Leia Petty Wall Street Occupier
George Monbiot
Louise Christian Campaigning lawyer
Lee Hall Playwright
Alfie Meadows Activist
Sara Bennett National executive, UNITE the union 
Nina Power Author & senior lecturer, Roehampton University
Samuel West Actor
Michael Kustow Writer and cultural activist
Jonnie Marbles Comedian
Mark Campbell UCU national executive & Save London Met
Jennifer Hilliard Parents for Real Justice
Maggie Mitchell Parent of imprisoned protester
Steven Rose Emeritus professor of biology (neuroscience)
Alberto Toscano Senior lecturer, Goldsmiths College
Kanja Sessay NUS black students officer
Mark Bergfeld NUS NEC & Education Activist Network
Sean Rilo Raczka ULU VP
Margaret Gordon Christian Khan Solicitors
Susan Matthews Justice for Alfie Meadows
Wail Quassim Student
Dr William McAvoy Lecturer in English, University of Sussex
Danielle Grufferty NUS Vice-president, Society & Citizenship