Eastbourne activists take part in national protest march

The group, who are members of the Eastbourne People’s Assembly, joined around 150,000 marchers to protest against government cuts and tax avoidance on Saturday (April 16).

The peaceful protest saw marchers walk through the centre of the capital holding placards and chanting before meeting in Trafalgar Square for music and speeches.

Brian Wilkes, one of the EPA marchers, said, “I am opposed to austerity as it has clearly failed. The deficit has nearly doubled under Osborne’s watch and millions of us are suffering the effects austerity brings.

“This government is attacking many of the things that make Britain a decent society; the NHS under attack, state schools under attack, disabled people under attack, affordable housing under attack, decent employment under attack, the unions under attack, working people under attack, while billions are avoided in tax revenue by corporations and the wealthy that would easily pay for the huge cuts and avoid so much suffering.

“If we are really all in this together it’s time for the government to do the right thing for the whole of society. End austerity now.”

A number of speakers also attended the event in Trafalgar Square including the People Assembly’s national secretary and the shadow chancellor John McDonnell.

Lucette Davies, another EPA marcher, said, “I saw the march as just one step towards creating unity between all those who believe people matter more than profit. This march sent a powerful message to the Tory cabinet that their manipulation of facts is failing to disguise their own incompetence. This march shouted out with a loud voice that the politics of Britain today is broken and the British people expect something better.”

Andy Durling, who was also on the march, said, “We in the EPA are part of a new nationwide social movement that cuts across all classes and political divisions, uniting people in a just cause: to create a fairer, more equal society that truly looks after the poor, sick, disabled, elderly - indeed, cares properly for all of us, rich or poor. Austerity does not work, is grossly unfair, and we will go on marching and protesting until austerity comes to an end.”

If people wish to find out more about the EPA, it can be contacted at: [email protected]. People can also attend its weekly meetings at Brodie Hall, Seaside, on Wednesdays at 7pm.

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