Weekly round-up blog: 2 November

2 November 2012: The week around the web and upcoming actions, with Izzy Koksal

The No Dash For Gas activists who occupied two chimneys of the UK's newest gas fired power station on Monday are still up there almost a week on. This morning 8 came down from one of the chimneys in order to preserve supplies for the remaining 6. You can follow their antics on their twitter and facebook sites. These social media savvy folk have also been making youtube videos of life up on the chimney. Ewa Jasiewicz explains why they're up there and Danny's blog also gives some good arguments against the dash for gas, however, Tory minister John Hayes comments this week on wind turbines – 'enough is enough' – also sums up quite nicely the need for more direct action like this.

Meanwhile, in Bristol, Boris Johnson was being followed by people shouting 'Tory Scum' at him. He turned around and meekly responded with 'Lefty Tossers' – but his heart wasn't really in it. This is a joy to watch and we need more of it.

In other street politics video news, the team behind The Revolution will be Televised have taken on promoting Barclay's food speculation to passers-by. Turns out that most people think profiting from others people's hunger is not a good idea. Armed police turn up

This week saw the conclusion of the Fortnum and Mason appeal with 5 people having their appeals accepted whilst the other 4 had their conviction for 'intent to intimidate' upheld. How the law decided that 5 people entered the shop in a non-criminal way whilst the other 4 people's entry was criminal...Alfie and Zak's retrial continued this week with a heavy police presence around the protest in support of Alfie and Zak and a heavy police presence inside the court room intimidating the supporters.

A local community and supporters are resisting the attempt by Lambeth council to sell off their co-operative housing. The irony of the self-declared 'co-operative council' attempting to destroy a co-operative project has clearly been lost on the council. Housing struggles like these are emerging everywhere as the attack on our right to shelter intensifies. In the context of this housing crisis, other, more communal ways of living 'look increasingly sensible' Owen Hatherley argues.

Finally, here is an interesting and useful analysis of the English Defence League and the response of the left.

Events and actions

Lindela Figlan from Abahlali baseMjondolo speaking at various locations across the UK

Ending this Saturday 'Noam Chomsky quotes: an exhibition of letterpress prints by Adam Burton' at 201/ Unit 3, Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9NQ

National Union of Students Activism Conference 2012, Saturday 3rd November, Goldsmiths, London

Justice for cleaners: Militant mobilisation against MITIE at the Tower of London, 1pm, Saturday 3rd November.

Anti-workfare protests will be happening in Brighton, Leeds, and Kilburn this Saturday. See here for more details.

Capitalism is Crisis: Another World Is Possible, 11am, Sunday 4th November, Ashbee Hall inside Toynbee Hall, 28 Commerical Street, London, E1 6LS

Liverpool City Council Budget Cuts Protest, 4pm, Wednesday 7th November, Liverpool Town Hall

This blog hopes to provide a small platform for us share our work as so much good stuff can get lost or missed in the blogosphere - send me your links so I can add them to next week’s! @IzzyKoksal