Hundreds lobby Birmingham Labour council

About 200 people braved freezing temperatures to lobby Birmingham council Labour Group on Monday 4 February against the massive cuts they are proposing.

The demonstrators came from council unions, students, service users and socialist campaigners. The overwhelming call was to oppose all cuts and to call for Labour to set a ‘needs’ budget.

Earlier in the day some protesters had managed to occupy the balcony of the Council House and unfurled anti-cuts banners.

These would have been seen by thousands of people walking past. They were allowed to stay there and even had police protection!

Councillors used a side entrance to avoid having to meet the protesters.

Another lobby will be held of the budget setting meeting on 26 February.

Clive Walder