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From The Socialist newspaper, 6 July 2016
Hundreds protest to demand votes at 16
16 and 17-year-olds protesting to demand the vote, , photo by Ian Pattison (Click to enlarge)
Marlon Fernandez, school student and Lambeth socialist
A demonstration on 3 July started in Trafalgar Square with a gathering of around 70 marching towards Parliament to demand votes for 16 and 17 year olds. As we marched, the crowd increased and by the time we reached Parliament Square there were hundreds chanting and marching.
At the rally many of these stood up and gave their thoughts on not only how 16 and 17 year olds should have been able to vote in the EU referendum but also the fact that vicious Tory cuts are deeply affecting the young, with libraries and youth centres up and down the country being forced to shut down.
Some people brought pro-EU signs and placards. But the event was neutral on the referendum outcome. The Socialist Party discussed with protesters the anti-austerity and anti-racist case for leaving the EU.
The demonstration was small but effective and many people (including myself) were able to speak their mind on why the voting age should be reduced to 16.
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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.
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In The Socialist 6 July 2016:
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