About 150 people gathered at the top of Deptford High Street in south London for an anti-cuts march on Wednesday evening. Understandably people were anxious to see as large a group as possible gathered after rioting and looting in Lewisham and Deptford on Monday.
Socialist Party material called for a trade union led campaign for jobs and services to cut across the anger and frustration in the borough. This gained support from many passers-by, who identified cuts as a major contributing factor to the week’s violence.
As the march walked up to Lewisham centre one woman we spoke to explained that when she was younger in the borough she had community centres, youth clubs, outings etc provided for her in the holidays – “The trouble got completely out of hand on Monday but what have the kids got at the moment?” she said.
The demonstration continued up through Lewisham centre, growing as it went and ended at Lewisham town hall which was completely surrounded by police. Lewisham Socialist Party has called a public meeting for next Thursday (see below) to discuss how a democratically organised mass campaign can be built.
James Kerr, Lewisham Socialist Party
Lewisham Socialist Party and YFJ public meeting:
After London youth erupt – Fight for jobs and services
Thursday 18th August 2011
7.30pm
‘Come the Revolution’ Café, New Cross Road, Lewisham, London.
For more info or to contact Lewisham Socialist Party call Ian Page on 07970 074230 or James Kerr 07825 836477 ([email protected])
