A broad church

The protesters outside St Paul’s are united in polite disagreement

It’s really not clear why the doors to St Paul’s had to be closed. Perhaps the church will have concocted a reasonable explanation by the time it’s all over, but after an afternoon walking around the protesters’ camp, it’s hard to imagine that they pose any sort of threat.

Already the site has the peaceful air of a hippy festival. Groups sit in circles, talking and picking at the piles of crisps and chocolates donated by supporters of the cause. Others are gathered on the steps, listening quietly to a man giving a speech through a hastily assembled speaker system. A small queue waits patiently outside the information tent, and there is a helpful sign for newcomers and reporters: ‘We are now also occupying Finsbury Square.’

In fact, the only bad feeling seems to have been caused by journalists. The first person I approach is a bearded gentleman sitting serenely on the cathedral steps in an enormous hemp overall.