On 26 March, those who passed through Walthamstow town square in east London came across a very incongruous sight. A group of bankers (members of the Walthamstow Socialist Party branch in fancy dress) rubbing shoulders with the man himself: Gordon Brown.
Kay Shipway
The bankers were wearing the finest suits and sporting placards printed with entreaties such as: “Please give generously. Two yachts, three mansions and five pensions. £550 billion should almost do it”
People raised their eyebrows as the bankers clinked their glasses and, laughing, received handfuls of money from Gordon Brown. Gordon Brown approached members of the public, asking if they would like some cash for their mortgage, education or children’s future. He then snatched back the money and said, without apology: “Sorry I have to give it to these bankers”.
The merry crew met with mixed reactions of amusement and confusion. The bankers and Gordon Brown took their greedy hands to the post office and the library, where Gordon offered up these public services to the bankers.
This stunt is part of the Youth Fight for Jobs campaign and one of several which have taken place across the country to put across the daunting message about capitalism today in a fun way.
