Tax Avoidance Action Round-Up
Tagged as:Neighbourhoods: bradford cumbria halifax kendal leeds manchester middlesborough newcastle preston yorkshire
All over the UK, people have been taking action against companies who have been exposed as tax dodgers.
The North of England has been no exception, with various actions taking place.
11th December saw a demonstration from Bradford People's Coalition Against the Cuts outside topshop's store on Darley Street, Bradford. The group then moved on to the Kirkgate Shopping Centre (which houses a Vodafone store) where two young people were arrested (video of arrest here). Their arrests were followed by a demonstation outside Lawcroft Police Station until they were released
Meanwhile, in Manchester, the 'Scroogey Santas' hit the shops in the Arndale Centre, forcing topshop to roll down its shutters. 4 people were arrested, but have now been released.
18th December saw the UK Uncut's 'Payday' day of action.
In Cumbria, some residents of Kendal visited the Westmorland Shopping Centre to distribute leaflets to people outside Topshop and Vodafone. The protestors were forcefully removed by security guards.
In Leeds, the Briggate, which is the main shopping area of the city, was the start point for a demonstration. The protestors then moved on to Vodafone, past Miss Selfridge and finally reached Topshop in the St. Johns shopping centre. They were declined entry to the precinct so sang carols outside!
Back in Manchester Arcadia 'tax dodging empire' Group were targetted with banners and leaflets.
Across the rest of the North there was more on 18th December;
A hardcore group of 6 made their voices heard in Preston.
In Newcastle 2 people were arrested at a peaceful demonstration.
A group of about 15 took part in some good old loud chanting in Middlesborough.
Halifax didn't miss out with a small protest outside Topshop.
And this corporate press report tells of actions in Durham as well as Newcastle and Middlesborough.
Many have expressed that they aren't willing to let this slip off the radar and plan to come back with more protests in 2011.
Scottish Action
On Saturday 18th, Vodaphone and Topshop on Princes Street were shut down by a flashmob of thirty protesters responding to the UKuncut mass day of action against tax dodging big businesses.
A flashmob of more than 30 people gathered at 10am, and moved quickly to occupy Topshop. The flashmob gained entry to the building, and was inside for half an hour, and then blockaded the entrances for a further half an hour. Flyers were handed out to shoppers explaining the reasons for the protest, with the vast majority supporting the action.
Edinburgh:
http://www.indymediascotland.org/node/22650
Glasgow:
http://www.indymediascotland.org/node/22646