Conor Schieferstein, Leicester Socialist Party
On the afternoon of 29 June, over 1,000 people turned out for the Leicester March for Palestine, the biggest protest Leicester has seen for months.
The Glastonbury controversies from the night before echoed through the crowds as “Death death to the IDF” was chanted. This reflects both the continued disgust at the IDF’s actions towards the Palestinians as well as the frustration of the censorship campaign against pro-Palestinian voices.
When peaceful means of protest are ignored and even fought back against through despicable ‘terror’ charges and attempts to brand any criticism of Israel as anti-Semitic, it is no wonder that the language and mood has shifted to a more understandably defiant and angry tone.
Among one of the speakers was Leicester ex-MP Claudia Webbe, who expressed anger at the construction of parts for the Israeli military at the Elbit factory in Leicester. What was lacking was a way forward, by calling on the trade unions to discuss what steps can be taken by workers in the arms industry, for example.
There is enough wealth in Britain to help the poor without going to war. War only benefits one section of society, and that is the bosses.
We have consistently strived to be a familiar presence at Palestine demos and marches, showing solidarity for the plight of the Palestinians and making sure our socialist political programme is heard.
