At least twenty Islanders joined others from the South on a coach from Portsmouth on Saturday morning to take part the national anti-austerity demo for health, homes, jobs and education.
Austerity ‘a political choice’
Following the trip, Fran Heath from Unite the Isle of Wight campaign group told OnTheWight,
“Some were seasoned protesters, and for others (including me), it was our first experience of a large demonstration in central London.”
She went on to explain,
“We joined the march alongside many different groups and individuals from around the country – steel workers, junior doctors, teachers, union members etc. – and when we reached Trafalgar Square, we listened to some fantastic speakers including John McDonnell (Labour’s Shadow Chancellor) who all underlined the point that austerity is a political choice not an economic necessity.”
Around 150,000 took part
Fran finished by saying,
“It was a great atmosphere – I didn’t see any trouble whatsoever – and it has been reported that 150,000 people attended.
“It was well worth the trip, and we will be sure to go again next time … although it would be great if the Conservative government stopped giving us so many reasons to protest!”
