Judge delays St Paul’s tent decision

A High Court judge has given protesters camping outside St Paul’s Cathedral the chance to celebrate Christmas under canvas by postponing a decision over their possible eviction.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Dec 2011, 06:00 BST

Mr Justice Lindblom said he would not rule on a local authority’s eviction application before January 11.

Protest organisers Occupy London said they would host a “Potluck Christmas Day Banquet” and try to create a “dream” Christmas based around “community, not consumerism”.

Local authority, the City of London Corporation, suggested that protesters should take the opportunity to have a “happy Christmas” then leave peacefully and avoid any need for eviction.

Mr Justice Lindblom reserved judgment after a five-day hearing at the High Court in London.

The City had argued that there was an “overwhelming” case for the court’s intervention because of the camp’s impact on the area. Tents have been there since October 15. Cathedral officials said protest organisers had given an “assurance” that services would not be disrupted.