Tuesday, November 5, 2013

'Bonfire of austerity' events planned for 5th November


The Peoples’ Assembly Against Austerity is backing a day of protest in every town and city in the country to coincide with Guy Fawkes Night, 5th November 2013.

The actions will be many and various, ranging from occupations of public space to occupations of banks, from online petitioning to blocking roads, from leafleting with the rail unions against the privatized rail companies to student occupations and disability protests, say the organisers.

Their website currently lists some 50 different events across Britain, with more promised as a result of online and social networking mobilisations.

"We are hoping for three waves of action," says the grassroots People's Assembly. "One in the morning, one at lunchtime and one in the evening.

"At the end of the day the local out-sourcing contracts, the welfare legislation, the loan company adverts will all make a splendid bonfire," they add.

The Twitter hashtag for the events has been announced as #BurnAusterity.

The People's Assembly Against Austerity organised a large 15,000-strong demonstration against welfare and public spending cuts at the Conservative Party conference in September 2013.

A national demonstration is planned for the Spring of 2014, the coalition says.

Ekklesia has endorsed the Assembly. In 2012 we supported the 'Common Wealth: Christians for economic and social justice' statement in opposition to cuts which hit the most vulnerable, and we have argued for alternative economic policies based on social justice, sustainability, local initiative, social entrepreneurship and popular participation.

* People's Assembly: http://thepeoplesassembly.org.uk/