Leicester March for Free Education, January 2015, photo by Caroline Vincent

Leicester March for Free Education, January 2015, photo by Caroline Vincent   (Click to enlarge: opens in new window)

Caroline Vincent

“Students and workers, unite and fight!” was the chant that summed up the spirit of the Leicester March for Free Education. With support from local anti-cuts councillors, environmentalists and trade un-ionists, student activists took to the streets to build the movement to end austerity.

Reclaim

“We’re leading the struggle against fees, cuts and privatisation,” said one organiser from Socialist Students. “We aim to rebuild the student movement and reclaim our student unions and National Union of Students as fighting organisations.”

TUSC councillor Wayne Naylor added his wholehearted support, saying “Education should be a right and not a privilege. Quality education should be available for everyone, regardless of their income.”

Another student said: “We’re fighting for education that is fully funded, publicly owned, democratically run and universally free at all levels. We’re fighting for a socialist education system.”