Protesters march down Elm Grove
Today, over 500 people marched in Portsmouth’s biggest march against the cuts to date. The march was only ever going to big after Portsmouth City Council announced that at least 400 jobs would go there.
Portsmouth against the Cuts together (PACT) called the march to coincide with South East Region TUC day of action.
Portsmouth has marched against the ConDem cuts before. Last November, Portsmouth Trade council organised a march where 250-300 people marched, but this demo was different.
Not only was it much bigger, but the mood was far more angry. People were chanting “Tory scum, get out, we know what you’re all about! Cuts! Job losses! Money for the bosses!” and “Cameron, Clegg and Osborne! Out out out!”
Message from Local Cafe
There were several trade union banners from RMT, UNITE,TUC, Portsmouth Trades council amongst others. Trade Union support and participation was key to the demo being the success it was, and i hope it is set to continue as the movement carries on.
People joined the march as it moved through the city and the response of the public definitely boosted moral. Cars honked and people clapped and joined chants, and it is these people we need to bring into activity but this is something that will happen as more cuts are implemented.
The day ended with a rally in Guildhall square were speeches were given from Labour representation committee, Green Party and Trade Union members, aswell as students and pensioners. Shockingly we proved Cameron right! Now is the time for consensus politics but unfortunately for him, the Consensus is against him.
We may not have seen shops shut, and banks picketed like other marches across the country, but it wasn’t needed. As we marched down Commercial road, Topshop and Vodafone locked their doors behind walls of Police.
Finally, it was great to hear several speakers mention the alternative of Socialism. Our groups may have different opinions about how to achieve it, but we can only achieve it by working together, so lets see it continue.
Video of march to be put up soon.
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Posted on January 16, 2011
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