News / Austerity
Bristol’s mass demonstration against austerity
Rallying cries against Government austerity will echo through the streets of Bristol in September as campaigners unite in mass demonstration.
The mayor’s call to arms has been answered as a collective of key representatives from lobby, political and trade union groups in the city announce intentions to organise a huge day of action that they hope will make waves across the country.
Marvin Rees last week spoke out against the vicious public sector cuts bringing Bristol to breaking point and pledged to take the fight against austerity to Westminster, along with other core city leaders, for a national lobby day on September 12.
Mayor Marvin Rees will take the fight against austerity to Westminster
The mayor urged campaigners to join in mass demonstration across the city and they have responded in force and asked to meet with him to secure support for a rally on Saturday, September 9.
“There is the potential for a huge Bristol demonstration in opposition to cuts imposed on this city and many others by Conservative government – one with a national impact,” said a spokesperson for Bristol People’s Assembly.
The campaign group hosted a public meeting on Monday, where members of different unions and organisations unanimously agreed to take action to support the lobby day and build pressure on the Government over its “unpopular austerity agenda”.
Key representatives attended the open meeting to agree a united call for action. Photo by Bristol People’s Assembly
“Not only could such a mass demonstration greatly strengthen the mayor’s proposed lobby of parliament, but it can be a major platform for the voices of ordinary Bristolians calling for an end to these terrible cuts which have come from the Tory government, and for the funding needed for their local services and facilities,” continued the spokesperson.
“We saw thousands take to Bristol’s streets to demonstrate against schools cuts in May as part of a nationwide campaign that had a big impact on the election results; those same parents and teachers are already saying this new Bristol demonstration against austerity could be even bigger and lead to a wave of campaigning in cities around the country being hit badly by cuts.
“Things have changed after the election, and the Tories’ dodgy DUP deal – the anger in communities is very real.
Thousands marched through the streets of Bristol in May to protest against cuts to school budgets
“We know this is a weak, unstable government, facing mass public opposition, and if we act collectively, keep building this movement and don’t give up, they’ll have no choice but to back down or to call another election. The momentum is on our side now, and we don’t plan on letting up any time soon.”
Initial supporters of the proposed demonstration on September 9 include: Bristol People’s Assembly, Labour Bristol, Unite the Union South West, PCS Union South West, Fair Funding For All Schools Bristol, South West Trades Union Congress, NAHT Bristol (National Association of Headteachers).
The group now hopes to secure the backing of the mayor and get the final go ahead.
Read more: Bristol mayor’s rallying call for action against austerity
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