The "Reclaim Brixton" event centred on local businesses facing crushing rent hikes, but attracted an array of anti-gentrification protesters. Social tenants fighting estate sell-offs and young private renters fed up with gouging landlords made up most of the crowd.

International food stalls, fine weather and live music contributed to the carnival atmosphere traditional for Brixton demonstrations. We estimate up to 2,000 were there at any given time.

Demands raised by multiple campaigns included rent caps, council home repairs and protections for existing residents and community businesses. Local Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidates and supporters backed these as part of a general anti-austerity platform. Our bright magenta banners pierced the high street.

The youthful and receptive crowd engaged eagerly with the dozen local Socialist Party members taking part. We sold out of the Socialist - 43 copies.

A largely peaceful march then protested at the town hall, police station and market. During this, a small group targeted Foxtons estate agent, breaking a window.

The Socialist Party shares the anger of many at this symbol of yuppification. But we point out that actions like this do not advance the struggle against it. In fact, authorities often use them to crack down on protests: police later used tear gas against Reclaim Brixton demonstrators. We condemn this unacceptable act by police.

To reverse social cleansing we need well-organised, concerted campaigns by tenants' groups and trade unions. Residents of the New Era estate in Hackney beat their Tory MP landlord's rent hikes with such a campaign.

Working class people also need representation in council chambers and the Commons to fight for our housing needs. This is why the Socialist Party helped found TUSC.

To get a foot on the housing ladder in London requires a minimum salary of £77,000 a year according to a new report by auditing firm KPMG

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.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.