YFJ anti-austerity protest, Leeds, 28.5.15, photo by Iain Dalton

YFJ anti-austerity protest, Leeds, 28.5.15, photo by Iain Dalton   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

1,000 demonstrate against austerity in Leeds

An anti-austerity protest organised by Leeds Youth Fight for Jobs (YFJ) on the day of the state opening of parliament – which inspired other protests across the country – drew 1,000 protesters yesterday, despite driving rain.

The protest, in Victoria Gardens, Leeds, heard from young workers, students, anti-bedroom tax activists, asylum seeker rights campaigners and trade unionists, amongst others, on the savage plans to attack working class people that the new Tory government is announcing.

YFJ anti-austerity protest, Leeds, 28.5.15

YFJ anti-austerity protest, Leeds, 28.5.15   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Iain Dalton, Yorkshire YFJ organiser said: “The response today and at demonstrations around the country shows that there is big opposition to what the government is proposing. Only 24% of the electorate voted for the government. Many young people – who several of its measures are aimed at – were below the voting age for that election as well. Interestingly, its already pushed back its proposals regarding the human rights act, which shows how protest can move it.

“Given the weather, 1,000 people turning up was beyond our expectations. Many of those people who were on their first protest have been in touch with us to ask when the next demonstration is. We’re building towards a day of action with the Fast Food Rights campaign in Wakefield on 13th June and, of course, the big anti-austerity demo in London on the 20th June”.


Leeds YFJ public meeting

How to build a movement to end austerity

Monday 1st June 2015 at 6pm

West Riding pub, 38 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DJ

Speakers:

  • Keith Hutchinson, BFAWU Greggs of Yorkshire branch secretary
  • Iain Dalton, Yorkshire organiser of Youth Fight for Jobs

For more info contact [email protected] or ring/text 0780 983 9793