Leicester: still angry with Clegg

Suraj Shah, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition candidate for Rushey Mead ward, Leicester

Leicester Youth Fight for Jobs helped organise a protest against Nick Clegg visit, photo Leicester YFFJ (Click to enlarge)

On Friday 1 April, Nick Clegg came to Leicester to hold a question and answer session at Showcase Cinema in the Highcross shopping mall. It was the first time he held such an event in the East Midlands without his 'partner in crime' David Cameron.

Showing Clegg's cowardice, people had to give their details to the police before being allowed inside to ask questions.

Youth Fight for Jobs helped organise a protest of up to 100 people outside.

The fact that so many came out shows that working people and students are still outraged by the tuition fees increase and attacks on our right to a decent education. Voices chanting "Nick Clegg shame on you!" echoed through the area around the protest.

We found support from passers by and some even joined the protest. This shows the anger that exists at the Liberal Democrats for caring more about power than the working people who put them into their positions.

Some of the young people on the protest had voted Lib Dem, and were furious at the way Clegg betrayed them.

Many of the protesters realised the need for an alternative to the three main parties - a party that opposes all cuts and puts ordinary people before the profits of big business.

www.youthfightforjobs.com

Donate to the Socialist Party

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.
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.