Heather Rawling, Leicester Socialist Party
I am going to be issued with a £100 fine for having a campaign stall table. Apparently, we need to apply for a licence from Labour-controlled Leicester City Council to campaign against the cuts the council is making!
Even the street warden who cautioned me could see my point!
As I was being ‘advised’ by the street wardens, a small crowd gathered round to support our refusal to take down the stall table. One person gave us a £5 donation to the Socialist Party fighting fund for standing firm. When I was being informed of the fixed penalty notice, I asked the warden to wait while I set my phone up to record the conversation. (Read more: ‘Leicester defiance against cutting Labour council’)
When announcing £20 million cuts for the next three years, council leader Sir Pete Soulsby said it would be “painful”. Yes! Painful for those who rely on council services and for those who may lose their jobs. Already 2,000 jobs have been lost. On the council’s hit list are libraries and community centres. Disabled people receiving PIP will have to pay more council tax. There is anger at these cuts.
The Socialist Party is working with Leicester and District Trades Council in organising a Leicestershire Anti-Cuts Alliance to oppose all council cuts. And the Socialist Party is holding a public meeting against the cuts and for a new mass workers’ party on Thursday 19 June, 7.30pm at Leicester Secular Hall, Humberstone Gate, LE1 1WB.
