London – ‘People want to hear from you’
This march was another demonstration of the fact that people are desperate for an alternative to capitalism and the two-party system, but simply did not know where to turn. The turnout was several thousand, as it prepared to march to Westminster.
Police were few and far between, busy kettling people at the Gaza demonstration down the street. People were open to listening to us, and we had almost run out of Socialist Party leaflets by the time the speakers came up.
People wanted to send a message to Donald Trump and other leaders, that what he was proposing and doing in the US wouldn’t be allowed to happen here. The lack of organisation and direction made our presence at the march especially important.
I sold my first copy of the Socialist to one protestor. She told me to be more confident in offering them to people.
“People want to hear from you. If they’re here, they’re open to it.”
A good thing to remember. A lot of the time, no matter how it feels, we’re not actually fighting uphill.
Diana Yazovskaya, Hackney Socialist Party
Leeds – Gaza
1,000 gathered. The demo was called on the back of Trump’s elections, and the attack on women in the US over abortion.
And also the campaign in the UK for the decriminalisation of women who have abortions after 24 weeks. There’s still women being prosecuted today.
But it was a mixed demo on various issues. The biggest contingent was around the destruction of Gaza, especially the impact getting aid to women and children.
We had a positive response to our petition on current Labour council cuts. The main one being privatisation of nurseries, but also the closure of a local museum, and closure and privatisation of bowling greens.
Isabel Grant, Leeds Socialist Party member
Northampton – momentum
Over 100 marched, chanting “Women and workers, unite against the right”, and “Women’s rights are human rights”.
Our Socialist Party leaflets were snapped up. After speeches, including from two Socialist Party members, our stall was inundated with women wanting to keep the momentum of the demonstration moving forward, and learn more about our party.
Katie Simpson, Northampton Socialist Party
Nottingham – inspired by US
Inspired and motivated by groups in the US, responding to the reelection of Donald Trump, the Nottingham march was one of many taking place in the UK and further afield.
300 people attended the march, which included parents with pushchairs. The atmosphere was positive, with no opposing groups present. Our Socialist Party leaflets and Socialist paper were received well.
Sara Bull, Nottingham Socialist Party
