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From The Socialist newspaper, 9 May 2012
Police restrict anti-racist protesters in Luton
The streets of Luton were almost deserted as the far-right racist English Defence League (EDL) came to the town yet again. The counter demonstration of 2,000 gathered on the north side of the town centre while the EDL were on the south side.
Once again thousands of police cordoned off the town centre and the counter demo was not allowed to follow its planned route to the town hall, but was forced to walk in a circle back to where it started.
Scuffles broke out as protesters tried to reach the town centre but soon petered out. Many of the coaches that were en route to the counter demo never got there as police closed off roads. At no time did the two sides even see each other - the police will claim a success but at what price?
The trade union movement must insist that counter demos are allowed to protest as planned and not be treated as an inconvenience.
Steve Glennon
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The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
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In The Socialist 9 May 2012:
Socialist Party election analysis
Legitimacy of Cameron and Clegg further shattered
Election results: How did TUSC do?
Con-Dems battered in Scottish local elections
Labour's best Wales result in 21 years will not stop cuts
London elections - TUSC: A marker for future struggles
Coventry: Socialist campaigner Dave Nellist narrowly loses
4,792 mayoral vote for Liverpool 47 candidate
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition local election reports
International socialist news and analysis
France: A weekend that shocked Europe
Greece: Political earthquake sees pro-austerity parties' support collapse
Socialist Party news and analysis
MPs find Murdoch "not fit" to run media empire
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Good result for Socialist Students candidates in NUS elections
Health services at risk in Cardiff and Vale
Privatisation pushes up transport costs in Yorkshire
Care home closures in Sheffield
Police restrict anti-racist protesters in Luton
Socialist Party workplace news
Greenwich libraries - fighting back can win
Exposed: the dirty world of NHS privatisation
Duncan Smith throws insults at Remploy workers
Reviews and comments
Film review: 'Cocaine Unwrapped'
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