Skip to main content

Fed-up E15 mums occupy Buckingham Palace

FEROCIOUS Focus E15 Mums occupied a wing of Buckingham Palace last night after leading a protest through central London demanding social housing for all.

Housing campaigners were let in to the grounds by wardens standing in solidarity with their Windsor colleagues, currently fighting for a living wage.

Russell Brand also came to show his support for the Buckingham Palace East Wing occupation, bringing with him an order of 20 pizzas.

Focus E15’s Jasmin Stone told the Star how “exciting” it was to spend the night under the same roof as the royal family.

“We had been thinking of where else we could go to raise awareness of London’s increasing housing crisis,” she added.

“Buckingham Palace is huge, mostly empty and bang in the centre of London, so it was a no-brainer really.”

The palace, which covers around 830,000 square feet, was estimated to be worth a modest £935 million in 2008.

Asked whether she had had any contact with the royals, Ms Stone responded: “Not yet, but I am sure the Queen will understand — she is a mum too.”

On the first night of the occupation Focus E15 Mums and other campaigners were entertained by readings of Mr Brand’s most recent book Revolution.

Children were encouraged to practice their royal wave, with most of them being allowed to go to bed in full princess costume.

A spokeswoman for Clarence House confirmed: “The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will visit the occupation of Buckingham Palace’s East Wing and greet campaigners in due course.

“Her Majesty is yet to make her remarks on the ladies in residence, but has expressed fondness of comedian Russell Brand and delight that he has also been staying in such close proximity.”

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 11,501
We need:£ 6,499
6 Days remaining
Donate today