Swansea: students protest against Hillary Clinton hypocrisy

Hong Kong demo brushes with pro-dictatorship students

Francis Radford, Swansea Socialist Students

Socialist Students protesting against Hillary Clinton's visit to Swansea University, 15.11.19, photo by Swansea Socialist Students (Click to enlarge)

Former US secretary of state and failed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton returned to Swansea University on 15 November.

After arriving via a back door, to avoid the embarrassment of the 'welcome' she received from our protest in 2017, Clinton's time was spent on watered-down pleasantries about 'equality'.

The event was entitled 'Gutsy Welsh Women', with a panel also including Lib Dem assembly member Kirsty Williams.

Swansea Socialist Students' message, however, was undiluted. We protested against Hillary's visit, her imperialist foreign policy, hostility towards the working class, pro-big business agenda, and recent anti-trans comments.

The protests grabbed students' attention and our placards and banners were shared on social media throughout the day. Several students joined our protest and are keen to help organise on campus.

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters at Swansea University, 15.11.19, photo by Swansea Socialist Students (Click to enlarge)

And we were not alone in protesting that day. Pro-democracy protesters from Hong Kong gave out flyers detailing the realities of life under the Chinese Communist Party-backed regime, chanting "free Hong Kong!"

However, this eventually gained the attention of a larger number of wealthy, pro-regime Chinese students.

Pro-Chinese Communist Party demonstration at Swansea University, 15.11.19, photo by Swansea Socialist Students (Click to enlarge)

This led to competing chants, verbal battles, and even some physical scuffles instigated by the pro-CCP crowd.

Donate to the Socialist Party

Coronavirus crisis - Finance appeal

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.
Our 'fighting coronavirus workers' charter', outlines a programme to combat the virus and protect workers' living conditions.
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.