A voice from the Sussex occupation

Q. Tell us what happened today

At about 3.30pm today we were on the latest of a series of big protests we have seen against the cuts here at Sussex. There were several hundred of us on the demo that started outside Sussex House and we had some great speeches from people at the rally.

Unison and UCU reps from Sussex spoke, along with a member of the UCU National Executive. They talked about the recent big vote for strike action from the Leeds University UCU and how Sussex UCU were balloting for action too. There were also speeches from a local Labour MP and councillor, who both oppose the cuts.

We knew that our action is part of a growing movement against cuts being pushed through nationally by the government.

Q. How did the occupation start

It was totally spontaneous to be honest – it wasn’t planned prior to the demonstration. There was a very militant mood.

People were calling for a strike on the demonstration – with lots of people chanting “strike, strike” and we raised £300 for a strike fund on the demo. Not bad for a load of skint students.

Then someone from the demo called for an occupation and we spontaneously launched it at Bramber House.

Over a hundred of us got in before the access to the building was blocked. At least hundred more would have joined the occupation had they not been blocked from entering the building.

Q. What is the mood like in the occupation

Very militant and exciting.

We’ve got a Vestas-occupation-inspired-bucket system, getting supplies lifted in by rope and bucket. People who didn’t make it into the occupation were supporting us from the outside. We clubbed in money for food and we got a load of supplies into the building.

We also have access to kitchen and toilets so we are sorted for now.

Q. How have the university authorities responded?

Well, they are against the occupation!

The police have been called and came to talk with us. They threatened to kick us out, but we said we were not prepared to leave the building.

They have now said we have till 9am before it is considered “criminal trespass”. The Uni authorities have also closed the library and said this is down to the “increased security” that the occupation has caused – it’s an attempt to divide the larger student body from the occupiers.

As we speak, there is a meeting taking place talking about what to do and how we should respond, etc. There is talk of a solidarity demonstration tomorrow – which hopefully will be agreed.

Q. How much support have you had?

We’ve been overwhelmed with messages of solidarity. Even Caroline Lucas, a Green Party candidate for Brighton and Hove, has twittered in support – its really excellent. We have sent out a public statement too.