The Tories’ ‘anti-boycott bill’ intends to hinder the right of universities, local authorities and other public bodies from making ethical choices, without the express permission of the government. Why should we no longer be allowed to influence where these public bodies invest the money they get from and our payments and taxes?

The mood from the crowd was dismay with those currently occupying Parliament. One speaker said: “Those people in the Parliament buildings, enjoying our tax money, do not represent us”.

I spoke to one person who said: “I’ve always voted Labour, not anymore. Now I’m looking for someone who will represent me, my views and my needs.

“I don’t agree with what they’re doing in Palestine. I don’t agree with the wars and aggression.

“They’re being paid a lot of our money, and they don’t care about what we want.

“My friend and I will look out for TUSC. Please can you be seen at the next elections.

“You must stand. These elections will be very different.

“People want to vote for people, like us, who represent us. These politicians don’t care about us people.”

I also spoke to another protester, Mohammed Abbas from Yemen. He said: Things are very bad in Yemen and Palestine. I’m here because I don’t agree with what’s going on.

“We are in this together. We must vote for socialist change. Things must not go on as they are.

“I agree with your policies. I will look out for you and TUSC at the general elections.

“I don’t want to support the people in there now (pointing at Parliament). I’m never going to vote for people in there again.

“Labour is the new Conservative Party rebranded. But I’ll vote for TUSC. Please be present in our voting list.”

Be prepared to be a real alternative for people looking for change. Support the Socialist Party, attend the demonstrations, and be the catalyst for change as history is made.

Farhana Manzoor

See ‘UK anti-boycott bill on wrong side of history’

Oxford – deselect demand

A lobby against local Labour MP Annelise Dodds was called in response to her abstaining from the Gaza ceasefire vote. People shouted: “Deselect Annaliese Dodds”.

This raises the question, who would replace her? We want a true workers’ candidate, who calls for a socialist alternative, not another MP who still works in the interests of capitalism, and falls in line with Keir Starmer.

The Socialist Party put forward not only the need for deselection, but for standing socialists and trade unionists in elections too, which resonated with workers attending the protest.

Rosie Douglas-Brown and Rae Cox