St Paul's tent protesters: We can't promise a peaceful exit

Three High Court judges yesterday reserved judgment on whether to grant the "tent city" protesters leave to appeal against eviction, giving them a stay of execution for at least another eight days.

If the decision goes against the camp when the judges give a ruling next Wednesday, the City of London Corporation could seek to evict them within days.

Occupy spokeswoman Naomi Colvin said: "Individuals will be able to respond as they see best. We have prepared a document about the possible legal ramifications of our actions."

When asked what they will do if they are refused an appeal, she said: "There are a number of projects being prepared, there are also two more sites. St Paul's is not the be all and end all for Occupy."

She added: "There were some very important legal arguments put forward to Lord Neuberger and his colleagues and we're very pleased they're going away to consider those arguments carefully.

"It's a sign of how seriously the legal establishment has taken this case and how our right to freedom of expression should be protected. It's worth remembering that Occupy is much bigger than what happens at St Paul's. As far as the St Paul's site goes it's not surprising that after four months people are tired and exhausted. I don't think anyone expected it to go on for so long. That's testament to people's determination and resolve."

During the packed appeal hearing at the High Court, John Cooper QC said protesters should be allowed to congregate and demonstrate as part of their human rights.

He also accused Justice Lindblom, who granted the City of London possession of the site in December, of "rubber-stamping" what the City wanted. And he argued that the anti-capitalism Occupy activists should be allowed to remain for up to 23 hours a day even without their tents.

The City of London Corporation insisted the appeal should be dismissed.

St Paul's refused to comment.