Sex workers have been in Soho, central London, for at least 200 years. During that time there has been constant attempts to arrest women and raid and close down the premises where we work. Since the 1980s women in Soho have been part of the ECP’s network and we have spearheaded campaigns against evictions and landgrabs. For example, in 2013, we mobilised against mass police raids which forced the closure of flats where women were working in relative safety. Most were re-opened, and the lie promoted by the police that the raids were aimed at saving victims of trafficking was thoroughly discredited. See more here: ‘Soho Fights’.
No one is congratulating the men who pay for sex for their contribution to a local economy, but the issue here is one vice against another – greed versus lust JOY LO DICO Waves of moralism regularly sweep up the river Thames. When the bankers seemed too rich, the Occupy encampment moved in. Oxford Street […]
London — Sex workers in the legendary London district of Soho demonstrated in carnival masks and negligees on Wednesday against evictions they claim threaten their safety and the unique nature of the area.The small but colourful group held up posters saying “No evictions — safety first” and “I’d rather sell my body than sell my […]
Following the eviction of several sex workers from a flat in Soho, London, on Tuesday, the English Collective of Prostitutes protest at the office of the landlords who enforced the eviction. One sex worker and two “maids” explain why they do their work, and how the crackdown in Soho will make their job more dangerous […]
Is Soho’s red light reputation dimming?On Tuesday evening, six sex workers at 26 Romilly Street in Soho were evicted from two flats there after the Metropolitan Police closed down the premises. A demonstration to protest the eviction was held today and some of the women involved in the eviction spoke about their future. ‘We will […]
A group of prostitutes have been evicted from their house in London’s Soho district. Protestors gathered in the area – which is known as an unnofficial red-light district – to denounce the evictions. The English Collective of Prostitutes who organised the protest are saying criminal activity still remains to be proven and that this move […]
Demonstrators gather outside office of one of the main property owners in the area calling for them to stand up to the police. A new crackdown on sex workers in London’s historic red light district risks putting women in danger and changing the character of Soho, sex workers and activists said on Wednesday. Sex workers from […]
Women at 26 Romilly Street were evicted last night. Demo 11-12 TODAY. See info below. “Don’t put us out on the streets. Save Soho” Soho sex workers and supporters protest against evictions and the destruction of Soho by developers. PROTEST: 11am, Wednesday 9 OctoberOutside Soho Estates, Portland House, 12-13 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DL Women […]
Mama Quilla shows that theatre still has the capacity to address public issues. —The GuardianOn 17 October 2009, Mama Quilla, funded by the Arts Council and Camden Council presented:”A Day of Debate and Performance. Should Prostitution Be Decriminalised?”As early as 2000, Westminster Council had made attempts to cleanse Soho of its sex workers by the compulsory […]
A judge has ruled that a Soho brothel shut down by police earlier this month can reopen for business.Metropolitan police officers used antisocial behaviour legislation that came into effect at the end of last year to issue a closure notice on two flats in Dean Street, Soho, where sex is sold. But yesterday Mr Justice […]