Today, direct protest actions were held at over 40 Starbucks cafes across the UK in response to revelations that the company had not paid any taxes since 2009.

The protests, which simultaneously focused on the American company's tax dodging and austerity cuts to women's and children's programs, saw activists turn cafes into women's shelters, day cares, homeless shelters and temporary libraries.

This from UK Uncut, a grassroots organization protesting cuts to public services in the UK, cuts sharper than anything seen since the 1920s:



Growing public anger at Starbucks was clear today as over 40 of their shops across the UK- including in Liverpool, Cardiff, Bristol and Shrewsbury- were targeted today by the anti-cuts direct action network, UK Uncut. In central London a creche [day care] and women's refuge were set up in Starbuck's flagship stores, and in Birmingham people slept in sleeping bags on the floor to highlight homelessness. In Barnet, activists turned Starbucks into a library, while in York protesters handed out free tea and coffee in store. The group took action to confront the company over its tax avoidance and highlight the impact of the government's cuts on women.

The delicious reversal in play here cannot be ignored, for in 1773 American colonists in Boston protested the crushing British tax on tea. Today, Brits protested a lack of taxes on American-owned coffee.

Below are a few images from today's protests:





Photo of protest before a London Starbucks, via UK Uncut



Women's Refuge set up at Regent St. Starbucks. Photo via @HeardinLondon.



Protest outside a West End Starbucks in London. Photo via Chris Coltrane.



Women's shelter set up at another Starbucks. Photo via @HeardinLondon.

Anger is also increasing against Starbucks after reports that it will begin slashing paid lunch breaks, maternity and sick leave for its low-wage, UK employees . This in response to the company's anticipated future tax responsibilities.

Expect more citizen responses, like those today, as a result.

Follow @David_EHG

