Support for Focus E15 mothers’ campaign

Left wing political party Left Unity is calling for solidarity with the occupation of empty flats by campaigning mothers in Stratford, East London – and has condemned the Labour council’s response to the protest.

Focus E15 Mothers were made homeless by Newham council, which closed down their shelter and told them to leave London or move into private rented accommodation. They have responded by occupying a boarded up space on a local estate and created a social centre.

Left Unity’s Pete Green said:

“This occupation is exactly what’s needed across London. Young people cannot afford to pay private rents and now councils like Newham are engaged in social cleansing.

“The council’s response to the occupation is baseless, clueless and insulting. What a shame from a Labour council that it condemns people who are doing so much to draw attention to the desperate housing situation in the capital.

“No wonder so many people are disillusioned with Labour.

“The council wants to drive the homeless and the poor out of London. We say this has to stop.

“There are empty houses  across London that councils could take over and use to accommodate homeless people instead of handing huge sums to private landlords.

For more information contact press@leftunity.org. The occupiers themselves can be contacted on 07933 845685

Notes for editors

1. Left Unity is the new party of the left in Britain. Founded in November 2013, it has around 2,000 members and 50 branches across the country.

2. More information about the Focus E15 campaign can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Focus-E15-Mothers/602860129757343