Hackney residents march today over Crown Estate homes sell off

Victoria Park residents protest over the proposed Crown Estate homes sell off

Hundreds of angry Crown Estate residents are expected to demonstrate and march today to Buckingham Palace to protest against the sale of key worker affordable homes, and will be petitioning the Queen to intervene and stop the sale.

The tenants live in affordable and key worker housing owned by the Crown Estate across five London boroughs, including Hackney.

The rally and march mark the end of the Crown Estate’s consultation process.

Brian Munro, train driver and Victoria Park resident said, “If the Crown Estate really wants to know the views of its tenants then they will find out …[today].  Hundreds of us we will let them know what we think.”

The protestors will be joined by politicians of all political parties, trade unionists and representatives from the clergy. Confirmed speakers include Labour MP Frank Dobson and Conservative MP Mark Field as well as local councillors and trade unionists representing key workers.

The campaign has widespread and cross party support.  Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, has publicly stated his opposition to this sale at Mayor’s Question Time on 17 March.

Hackney and Camden Councils have both written to the Crown Estate, opposing the sale.

The rally and march  takes place at 12:30pm today, Tuesday 23 March, outside the Crown Estate head office, New Burlington Place, London W1S 2HX.

More about this story from the Guardian.