Soho
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’.
The Guardian: Soho brothel closed by police can reopen, judge rules
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 […]
Evening Standard: Soho brothel to re-open after judge throws out police case
Keith Dovkants The working girls of Soho were in jubilant mood today after scoring a famous victory over the forces of law and order. Indeed, today may count as a significant date in the 350-year-long history of Soho as a haven for the world’s oldest profession. After all, how often has a judge ordered the police […]
Statement: Justice prevails against Soho prejudice and witch-hunts!
An application by the Metropolitan Police and Westminster Council for a Closure Order against two flats at 61 Dean Street, Soho, was dismissed today, 18 February 2009. (Excellent report in the Evening Standard below.)With the help of Soho sex workers and other local people, the English Collective of Prostitutes and Legal Action for Women gathered evidence […]
Action Alert: Police raids in Soho endanger sex workers’ safety
On 18 December, three police officers from Charing Cross Clubs and Vice Unit visited a flat in Romilly Street, Soho, London and issued a written notice against Ms Tracey Ramsey* who works as a receptionist there, that they intend charging her with “controlling prostitution for gain”. Soho has been one of the safest places for […]
Social Justice Network: Trafficking victim criminalised and imprisoned
In February 2001, we organized an emergency picket to protest against police and immigration raids against 60 immigrant women in Soho, London. The protest got widespread sympathetic media coverage and as a result the raids were publicly condemned and their legality challenged by women’s groups, prominent lawyers, MPs and church people. Many deportations were stopped […]
BBC News: Soho sex workers speak out against ‘clean up’
By Jon Silverman In November 2002 the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, told a London conference Britain was facing a growing threat from Balkan crime gangs, who make vast profits by smuggling – whether guns, drugs, or women destined for the sex trade. The following month two Albanian cousins were given long jail sentences for living […]
The Guardian: Letter – anti-trafficking laws hurt women
Your cover story (Review, last week) repeats misinformation aimed at promoting new anti-trafficking laws. An unbiased look would spot that such laws would remove the requirement for the victim to give evidence against her abuser, thus enabling her immediate deportation. The use of anti-trafficking as a means for deportation was exposed in last year’s Soho […]
Refugee Women’s News: Anti-trafficking legislation – protection or deportation
In many countries, including Britain, governments are introducing legislation against trafficking under the guise of protecting women from violence and exploitation. Feminists have initiated or supported such moves, and few have cared to look at what their effect is on the women they are supposed to protect. Recent police and immigration raids are telling. On […]