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From The Socialist newspaper, 14 December 2016
Scrooge Tory council confronted over treatment of homeless
Medway Justice for Homeless People protest photo Ivor Riddell (Click to enlarge)
Chas Berry, North Kent Socialist Party
Medway Tory council in Kent loves to celebrate Charles Dickens. Twice a year the picturesque streets of Rochester are filled with characters in period dress reenacting scenes from his most famous novels.
At the same time, 21st century poverty and homelessness go unnoticed with an estimated 200 people sleeping rough and many more 'sofa surfing' between insecure and sometimes dangerous arrangements.
Reality dawned at this years 'Dickensian Christmas' on 3 December, however, when Mayor Stuart Tranter was confronted by around 40 protesters from Medway Justice for Homeless People. The group, which was set up following the death of Samson Paine earlier this year, lined the streets of the main parade with a lively demonstration.
The protest made a huge impact, sited directly outside the historic 'Six Poor Travellers House' featured in one of Dickens's novels and campaigners were overwhelmed with people wanting to sign our petition.
A public meeting, held fittingly at the Huguenot Museum which records the refuge given to those fleeing religious persecution, called for immediate action to address the housing crisis. We are calling on Medway council to provide emergency shelter and an end to the eviction of those forced to sleep in tents on public land.
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In The Socialist 14 December 2016:
Socialist Party news and analysis
NHS crisis: we're fighting back!
End the Tories' war on the working poor
Amazon workers living in tents
Pfizer drug extortion - nationalise big pharma!
Trust in politicians reaches all-time low
No to home seizures for care bills
What we think
Establishment EU crisis deepens - fight for a socialist Brexit
A socialist programme for education
Education for all - not exam factories
International socialist news and analysis
CWI: opportunities for substantial growth
Workplace news and analysis
Glasgow Labour leaders deluged with protests
Victory for UPS parcel workers
Nationalise Tata Steel to save jobs and pensions
Bin workers strike against draconian management
Derby TAs to strike against pay cut
Southern: back the strike, nationalise the railways!
Socialist Party reports and campaigns
Birmingham Labour: Corbyn supporters need not apply
The Socialist Party and fighting women's oppression
Doncaster: cuts give rise to 'tent city'
Scrooge Tory council confronted over treatment of homeless
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