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| Version 5 | Version 6 |
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| UK anti-austerity demonstrations – live coverage | UK anti-austerity demonstrations – live coverage |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 3.14pm BST15:14 | |
| Protesters are gathered in Parliament Square. A view from the stage gives an insight into the numbers of people present. | |
| Great view from the stage at #EndAusterityNow demo pic.twitter.com/dkpuWK5yC8 | |
| 3.05pm BST15:05 | |
| Meanwhile... | |
| Sitting in the rain, in a field, eating jelly in smart clothes. #OnlyInBritain. Love it. #ascot2015 pic.twitter.com/VseS1tdq6b | |
| 3.03pm BST15:03 | |
| A police unit is apparently now manning the most hardcore protesters. | |
| Police unit now with hard core protesters #JuneDemo #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/YSey6KxYXA | |
| More police vans arrive Lambeth #JuneDemo #EndAusterityNow could be a kettle pic.twitter.com/vybi7v91HB | |
| 2.48pm BST14:48 | |
| If you’re trying to cross central London, some handy advice from the Met: | |
| The main body of the march has passed @cityoflondon As you approach, there is plenty of room on the right side of Parliament Sq #JuneDemo | |
| Updated at 2.48pm BST | |
| 2.47pm BST14:47 | |
| A video has appeared on Youtube of Guardian columnist Owen Jones speaking at the rally. | |
| 2.44pm BST14:44 | 2.44pm BST14:44 |
| Owen Winter was taking a break from marching at Ludgate Circus. Hesaid: “I’m demonstrating because I feel that the cuts are particularlyharsh for young people and affect them quite negatively and I thinkthat I’m going to grow up dealing with the repercussions. Generally I think young people get a raw deal out of politics.” Owen finished his last GCSE exam yesterday. He got up at 5.30 to get to London. | Owen Winter was taking a break from marching at Ludgate Circus. Hesaid: “I’m demonstrating because I feel that the cuts are particularlyharsh for young people and affect them quite negatively and I thinkthat I’m going to grow up dealing with the repercussions. Generally I think young people get a raw deal out of politics.” Owen finished his last GCSE exam yesterday. He got up at 5.30 to get to London. |
| Morgan Centini, 16, from Cornwall, said: “I’m out protesting today because I’ve grown up in an environment where I’ve watched the public sector in my home town destroyed. Watching the cuts rip apart a community, I can’t put it into words really. It’s disgusting.” | Morgan Centini, 16, from Cornwall, said: “I’m out protesting today because I’ve grown up in an environment where I’ve watched the public sector in my home town destroyed. Watching the cuts rip apart a community, I can’t put it into words really. It’s disgusting.” |
| 2.36pm BST14:36 | 2.36pm BST14:36 |
| The Observer’s Katie Forster is also at the demo. She’s spoken to some more people about why they’re there. | The Observer’s Katie Forster is also at the demo. She’s spoken to some more people about why they’re there. |
| Verity Brown, 19, student and Lucy, 20, say they are particularly concerned about the effect of the cuts for women. “They affect childcare, work, housing,” said Lucy. “I’m scared that people don’t realise the impact that the election result is going to have.” | Verity Brown, 19, student and Lucy, 20, say they are particularly concerned about the effect of the cuts for women. “They affect childcare, work, housing,” said Lucy. “I’m scared that people don’t realise the impact that the election result is going to have.” |
| Verity added: “David Cameron, we know who you are and what you’re going to do. We’re not happy - sort it out.” | Verity added: “David Cameron, we know who you are and what you’re going to do. We’re not happy - sort it out.” |
| Annette and Mandy have made their own protest dresses. “There are too many things I’m angry about to put on one banner so I made this dress,” said Mandy. “We don’t need austerity - there’s enough money.” | Annette and Mandy have made their own protest dresses. “There are too many things I’m angry about to put on one banner so I made this dress,” said Mandy. “We don’t need austerity - there’s enough money.” |
| “I work as a manager and I still can’t afford to rent in London, so I’m a property guardian,” said Annette. “My sister is also disabled - we need money for welfare, not warfare” | “I work as a manager and I still can’t afford to rent in London, so I’m a property guardian,” said Annette. “My sister is also disabled - we need money for welfare, not warfare” |
| 2.28pm BST14:28 | 2.28pm BST14:28 |
| Group of marchers in masks split from main rally | |
| Some of the marchers have split off and headed over the Thames towards the South Bank, according to the BBC’s Tom Symonds. | Some of the marchers have split off and headed over the Thames towards the South Bank, according to the BBC’s Tom Symonds. |
| Group of about 1000 protestors have broken from main March and crossed Thames heading for South Bank | Group of about 1000 protestors have broken from main March and crossed Thames heading for South Bank |
| Protestors now crossing Waterloo Bridge pic.twitter.com/DQvqvl9qU4 | Protestors now crossing Waterloo Bridge pic.twitter.com/DQvqvl9qU4 |
| Many in breakaway group wear black and masks #JuneDemo #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/ufO2BcF9HG | |
| Traffic being brought to a standstill in Waterloo by breakaway #EndAusterityNow march pic.twitter.com/pnaGNTEWlp | |
| Updated at 2.54pm BST | |
| 2.20pm BST14:20 | 2.20pm BST14:20 |
| Here’s more from Damien Gayle: | Here’s more from Damien Gayle: |
| It’s clear now that this march is pretty big. Many tens of thousands of people from all walks of life are here, many have brought their children. | It’s clear now that this march is pretty big. Many tens of thousands of people from all walks of life are here, many have brought their children. |
| The banners are uncompromising. “Get the Tories out” they proclaim. “Austerity kills.” “Defy Tory rule.” But the mood is bright, despite grey skies and a mist of drizzle. | The banners are uncompromising. “Get the Tories out” they proclaim. “Austerity kills.” “Defy Tory rule.” But the mood is bright, despite grey skies and a mist of drizzle. |
| We are now approaching the Strand, but the march stretches out a long way ahead and behind. Protesters are chanting, blowing whistles. | We are now approaching the Strand, but the march stretches out a long way ahead and behind. Protesters are chanting, blowing whistles. |
| “One solution: Revolution,” they’re singing. The police are standing by, but I don’t think the revolution will be today. | “One solution: Revolution,” they’re singing. The police are standing by, but I don’t think the revolution will be today. |
| Updated at 2.21pm BST | Updated at 2.21pm BST |
| 2.17pm BST14:17 | 2.17pm BST14:17 |
| Entrance to Savoy Hotel is closed off | |
| The Guardian’s Damien Gayle is reporting that the entrance to the Savoy hotel, on the Strand, has been closed off. | The Guardian’s Damien Gayle is reporting that the entrance to the Savoy hotel, on the Strand, has been closed off. |
| Entrance to the Savoy is blocked, for some reason. #endausteritynow pic.twitter.com/1l0J3LN1vf | Entrance to the Savoy is blocked, for some reason. #endausteritynow pic.twitter.com/1l0J3LN1vf |
| The protestors were marching past the luxury hotel a few minutes ago. | The protestors were marching past the luxury hotel a few minutes ago. |
| Contrast of austerity campaigners marching past the Savoy #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/1AS96BXzsa | Contrast of austerity campaigners marching past the Savoy #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/1AS96BXzsa |
| Hey protesters, just because I'm wearing a blazer and going into the Savoy does not mean I voted Tory. It just means I love musicals!! | Hey protesters, just because I'm wearing a blazer and going into the Savoy does not mean I voted Tory. It just means I love musicals!! |
| Updated at 2.52pm BST | |
| 2.12pm BST14:12 | 2.12pm BST14:12 |
| Charlotte Church and Russell Brand aren’t the only famous faces spotted at today’s protest. Comedian Josie Long is also taking part, to defend spending on the arts. | Charlotte Church and Russell Brand aren’t the only famous faces spotted at today’s protest. Comedian Josie Long is also taking part, to defend spending on the arts. |
| Here's @JosieLong explaining the @artsemergency ethos to camera. #AEbloc #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/bs8ts2CQ6V | Here's @JosieLong explaining the @artsemergency ethos to camera. #AEbloc #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/bs8ts2CQ6V |
| 1.59pm BST13:59 | 1.59pm BST13:59 |
| Guardian Witness contributions | |
| Your Guardian Witness contributions have been coming in thick and fast. See a collection below. | Your Guardian Witness contributions have been coming in thick and fast. See a collection below. |
| So much suffering for an economic myth | So much suffering for an economic myth |
| Intelligent sign writing | Intelligent sign writing |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By everynameistaken | By everynameistaken |
| 20 June 2015, 11:59 | 20 June 2015, 11:59 |
| Starting the March. | Starting the March. |
| Marching for housing rights and cuts to the vulnerable | Marching for housing rights and cuts to the vulnerable |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By Guilli | By Guilli |
| 20 June 2015, 12:17 | 20 June 2015, 12:17 |
| Rallying outside the Bank of England | Rallying outside the Bank of England |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By Rebecca Trenear | By Rebecca Trenear |
| 20 June 2015, 12:30 | 20 June 2015, 12:30 |
| The rally is remaining fairly polite | The rally is remaining fairly polite |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By Rebecca Trenear | By Rebecca Trenear |
| 20 June 2015, 12:37 | 20 June 2015, 12:37 |
| anti austerity protest | anti austerity protest |
| View from the ground | View from the ground |
| Sent via Guardian Witness | Sent via Guardian Witness |
| By magicmingus | By magicmingus |
| 20 June 2015, 12:46 | 20 June 2015, 12:46 |
| Updated at 2.52pm BST | |
| 1.58pm BST13:58 | 1.58pm BST13:58 |
| There’s much singing going on at the demo right now. Here’s a video of a choir singing a special rendition of the Top Cat theme song. | There’s much singing going on at the demo right now. Here’s a video of a choir singing a special rendition of the Top Cat theme song. |
| Anti-austerity choir singing "Fat Cat" #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/1HNKEZuGsg | Anti-austerity choir singing "Fat Cat" #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/1HNKEZuGsg |
| 1.32pm BST13:32 | 1.32pm BST13:32 |
| Numbers seem to be rising in central London: | Numbers seem to be rising in central London: |
| #EndAusterityNow demo is massive. It's reached fleet Street but I've heard people are still leaving Bank | #EndAusterityNow demo is massive. It's reached fleet Street but I've heard people are still leaving Bank |
| The BBC’s Dominic Hurst is also there: | The BBC’s Dominic Hurst is also there: |
| Streets now packed tens of thousands at #EndAusterityNow #JuneDemo | Streets now packed tens of thousands at #EndAusterityNow #JuneDemo |
| 1.28pm BST13:28 | 1.28pm BST13:28 |
| Smoke bombs are also being let off. | Smoke bombs are also being let off. |
| Smoke bombs popping off near the @Classwar2015 bloc #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/4qTeJzluAO | Smoke bombs popping off near the @Classwar2015 bloc #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/4qTeJzluAO |
| 1.27pm BST13:27 | 1.27pm BST13:27 |
| Not much conversation about the demos taking place amongst the Twitter commentariat. Here are a small selection of tweets from the Right and Left. | Not much conversation about the demos taking place amongst the Twitter commentariat. Here are a small selection of tweets from the Right and Left. |
| Moved to tears by the protester who has to stick with an iPhone 5s until her contract ends when all her friends have a 6. #EndAusterityNow | Moved to tears by the protester who has to stick with an iPhone 5s until her contract ends when all her friends have a 6. #EndAusterityNow |
| 27 Million people voted FOR austerity (Con + Lab + LD + UKIP). 88% of the electorate want #MoreAusterityNow. #EndAusterityNow | 27 Million people voted FOR austerity (Con + Lab + LD + UKIP). 88% of the electorate want #MoreAusterityNow. #EndAusterityNow |
| The anti-democratic face of Green politics. HT @jakegoretzki https://t.co/pEbem50NRs | The anti-democratic face of Green politics. HT @jakegoretzki https://t.co/pEbem50NRs |
| Today's anti-austerity demonstrations in the UK likely to be the first of many -austerity has failed & more of it must be peacefully opposed | Today's anti-austerity demonstrations in the UK likely to be the first of many -austerity has failed & more of it must be peacefully opposed |
| 1.20pm BST13:20 | 1.20pm BST13:20 |
| It’s being reported that red flares were let off shortly after the march began, filling the street with thick, red smoke. | It’s being reported that red flares were let off shortly after the march began, filling the street with thick, red smoke. |
| 1.04pm BST13:04 | 1.04pm BST13:04 |
| Tobi Seriki, 28, from Deptford, is at the protest. She spoke to the Guardian about her reasons for demonstrating: | Tobi Seriki, 28, from Deptford, is at the protest. She spoke to the Guardian about her reasons for demonstrating: |
| I believe in the social movement of people and I agree with Paul krugman, the economist, rather than George Osborne. Austerity isn’t working at all and we need to change tack. | I believe in the social movement of people and I agree with Paul krugman, the economist, rather than George Osborne. Austerity isn’t working at all and we need to change tack. |
| Meanwhile, Arthur, from South London, was wearing a face mask handed out by thenetwork for police monitoring (Netpol). Asked why he covered his face he said: | Meanwhile, Arthur, from South London, was wearing a face mask handed out by thenetwork for police monitoring (Netpol). Asked why he covered his face he said: |
| CCTV in the city and around London. It’s an oppressive absolutist state where you don’t have to do anything wrong, just have your picture taken and the facial recognition system will get you on the database and class you as a terrorist, even if you are just attending a protest. The real terrorists are financial. | CCTV in the city and around London. It’s an oppressive absolutist state where you don’t have to do anything wrong, just have your picture taken and the facial recognition system will get you on the database and class you as a terrorist, even if you are just attending a protest. The real terrorists are financial. |
| Updated at 1.07pm BST | Updated at 1.07pm BST |
| 12.58pm BST12:58 | 12.58pm BST12:58 |
| All the regulars are out. | All the regulars are out. |
| This guy always turns up (or someone dressed very similarly) #endausteritynow https://t.co/iveJ3wvqpp | This guy always turns up (or someone dressed very similarly) #endausteritynow https://t.co/iveJ3wvqpp |
| 12.45pm BST12:45 | 12.45pm BST12:45 |
| Speeches will take place in Parliament Square between 2.40-5.30pm. Here is a full list of speakers: | Speeches will take place in Parliament Square between 2.40-5.30pm. Here is a full list of speakers: |
| Updated at 12.53pm BST | Updated at 12.53pm BST |
| 12.36pm BST12:36 | 12.36pm BST12:36 |
| Singer Charlotte Church is at the march brandishing an End Austerity Now placard. She said: | Singer Charlotte Church is at the march brandishing an End Austerity Now placard. She said: |
| I’m here today in a show of solidarity with everyone here - it is a massive turnout - everybody who thinks that austerity isn’t the only way and thinks it is essentially unethical, unfair and unnecessary. | I’m here today in a show of solidarity with everyone here - it is a massive turnout - everybody who thinks that austerity isn’t the only way and thinks it is essentially unethical, unfair and unnecessary. |
| Asked if she was inspired by the surge of the Scottish National Party she said “absolutely. But I think that the Scottish have been able to galvanise themselves against the Westminster elite. We are in one of the richest nations in the world and social inequality is unacceptable. I’m immensely proud to be here. I think this is a brilliant movement and it is for the common good. We are here to make a stand.” | Asked if she was inspired by the surge of the Scottish National Party she said “absolutely. But I think that the Scottish have been able to galvanise themselves against the Westminster elite. We are in one of the richest nations in the world and social inequality is unacceptable. I’m immensely proud to be here. I think this is a brilliant movement and it is for the common good. We are here to make a stand.” |
| Great group with @charlottechurch all the way from Wales. Hear her speak at end rally in Parliament #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/DcUFZHUNqD | Great group with @charlottechurch all the way from Wales. Hear her speak at end rally in Parliament #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/DcUFZHUNqD |
| Updated at 12.38pm BST | Updated at 12.38pm BST |
| 12.32pm BST12:32 | 12.32pm BST12:32 |
| Hackney Labour MP Dianne Abbott has just addressed the crowd. She said: | Hackney Labour MP Dianne Abbott has just addressed the crowd. She said: |
| I’m here to show solidarity with this march and demonstration today. Let’s remember what austerity is really about. Is it necessary? No. Austerity is about making the rest of us pay for the bankers, austerity is about making us even more unequal, and austerity is about dismantling our public services. | I’m here to show solidarity with this march and demonstration today. Let’s remember what austerity is really about. Is it necessary? No. Austerity is about making the rest of us pay for the bankers, austerity is about making us even more unequal, and austerity is about dismantling our public services. |
| After she spoke on stage, Abbott told the Guardian: | After she spoke on stage, Abbott told the Guardian: |
| I think it’s sad that there are not more labour MPs here. Tory austerity is not necessary and the Labour Party should be making the case for an alternative. There’s huge popular support for fighting austerity particularly among labour supporters and I think it’s remarkable that I will be the only mayoral candidate that’s actually against austerity when I think the majority of labour supporters inlondon are against austerity. | I think it’s sad that there are not more labour MPs here. Tory austerity is not necessary and the Labour Party should be making the case for an alternative. There’s huge popular support for fighting austerity particularly among labour supporters and I think it’s remarkable that I will be the only mayoral candidate that’s actually against austerity when I think the majority of labour supporters inlondon are against austerity. |
| Updated at 12.48pm BST | Updated at 12.48pm BST |
| 12.29pm BST12:29 | 12.29pm BST12:29 |
| Jeremy Corbyn was on the Radio 4 Today Programme to discuss austerity, which he said was a “cover” for deepening inequality. Listen to the Labour MP’s interview below. | Jeremy Corbyn was on the Radio 4 Today Programme to discuss austerity, which he said was a “cover” for deepening inequality. Listen to the Labour MP’s interview below. |
| 12.14pm BST12:14 | 12.14pm BST12:14 |
| Natalie Bennett addresses crowds | Natalie Bennett addresses crowds |
| Green party leader Natalie Bennett has been addressing the crowds from the stage on Sise Lane. She said: | Green party leader Natalie Bennett has been addressing the crowds from the stage on Sise Lane. She said: |
| I do wonder is there anyone here from the IMF? I thought not, but the IMF said George Osborne’s austerity is a bad policy. This is utterly the wrong direction for Britain. | I do wonder is there anyone here from the IMF? I thought not, but the IMF said George Osborne’s austerity is a bad policy. This is utterly the wrong direction for Britain. |
| Austerity is making the poor pay for the greed and the fraud of the bankers and we are not going to take it anymore. | Austerity is making the poor pay for the greed and the fraud of the bankers and we are not going to take it anymore. |
| Updated at 12.41pm BST | Updated at 12.41pm BST |
| 12.10pm BST12:10 | 12.10pm BST12:10 |
| What’s the most imaginative placard you’ve seen? I quite like these ones: | What’s the most imaginative placard you’ve seen? I quite like these ones: |
| these Mean Girls-themed placards made by @leahfrancis93 for the #EndAusterityNow protest today are so fetch. pic.twitter.com/9qJRNsDnMt | these Mean Girls-themed placards made by @leahfrancis93 for the #EndAusterityNow protest today are so fetch. pic.twitter.com/9qJRNsDnMt |
| 12.03pm BST12:03 | 12.03pm BST12:03 |
| Here is some early footage from the march, which has just started moving. | Here is some early footage from the march, which has just started moving. |
| March about to begin #endausteritynow https://t.co/iTj39vOlxl | March about to begin #endausteritynow https://t.co/iTj39vOlxl |
| 11.56am BST11:56 | 11.56am BST11:56 |
| Anti-nuclear activists are among those taking part today. Kate Hudson, general secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said mass mobilisation was key to persuading the new Government not to renew the Trident nuclear weapons. | Anti-nuclear activists are among those taking part today. Kate Hudson, general secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said mass mobilisation was key to persuading the new Government not to renew the Trident nuclear weapons. |
| And Lindsey German, convenor of the Stop The War Coalition, said: “I will be marching because I am fed up with all the main parties saying they are going to promote austerity. They have made the rich richer and the poor poorer and they’re going to continue.” | And Lindsey German, convenor of the Stop The War Coalition, said: “I will be marching because I am fed up with all the main parties saying they are going to promote austerity. They have made the rich richer and the poor poorer and they’re going to continue.” |
| 11.48am BST11:48 | 11.48am BST11:48 |
| Russell Brand arrives at demo | Russell Brand arrives at demo |
| Russell Brand is at the demo talking to fellow protestors and filming segments on his mobile phone. He was asked to comment for the Guardian but said; “I’m not working really”. | Russell Brand is at the demo talking to fellow protestors and filming segments on his mobile phone. He was asked to comment for the Guardian but said; “I’m not working really”. |
| Updated at 12.40pm BST | Updated at 12.40pm BST |
| 11.40am BST11:40 | 11.40am BST11:40 |
| Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has tweeted about attending the demonstration. | Green Party MP Caroline Lucas has tweeted about attending the demonstration. |
| On way to #EndAusterityNow demo to protest Govt ideological attack on poor - if need £, then #RobinHoodTax, scrap Trident, stop tax dodging | On way to #EndAusterityNow demo to protest Govt ideological attack on poor - if need £, then #RobinHoodTax, scrap Trident, stop tax dodging |
| 76% didn't vote for this Govt - Osborne has no mandate for austerity. He wants to shrink state not cut deficit #EndAusterityNow #JuneDemo | 76% didn't vote for this Govt - Osborne has no mandate for austerity. He wants to shrink state not cut deficit #EndAusterityNow #JuneDemo |
| 11.32am BST11:32 | 11.32am BST11:32 |
| More from Guardian journalist Damien Gayle who’s at the protest (I’ll be including lines from Damien when and where I get them): | More from Guardian journalist Damien Gayle who’s at the protest (I’ll be including lines from Damien when and where I get them): |
| Early arrivals are already gathering outside the Bank of England for the People’s Assembly End Austerity Now march. | Early arrivals are already gathering outside the Bank of England for the People’s Assembly End Austerity Now march. |
| There are several hundred here, carrying placards proclaiming “Get the Tories out” and “End austerity now”. | There are several hundred here, carrying placards proclaiming “Get the Tories out” and “End austerity now”. |
| Police of various units are also milling around, dressed variously in bright yellow hi-viz vests, blue liaison officer tabards and the grim black overalls of the riot squad. | Police of various units are also milling around, dressed variously in bright yellow hi-viz vests, blue liaison officer tabards and the grim black overalls of the riot squad. |
| But as yet the mood is good natured. Pascale Mitchell, a school librarian and carer from Bermondsey, south London, was outside the bank with her 15-year-old daughter. | But as yet the mood is good natured. Pascale Mitchell, a school librarian and carer from Bermondsey, south London, was outside the bank with her 15-year-old daughter. |
| She said: “Today I’m joining this hostoric march because I believe in doing the right thing. I support compassion, dignity, kindness, no despair, fair distribution of resources, no sanctions and equality for all mankind.” | She said: “Today I’m joining this hostoric march because I believe in doing the right thing. I support compassion, dignity, kindness, no despair, fair distribution of resources, no sanctions and equality for all mankind.” |
| She added: “People are already losing their lives, committing suicide, not being able to eat. I had had to donate to a friend because he got her her benefits sanctioned and she had to go to a food bank. I’m physically seeing the impact around me and it’s only going to get worse.” | She added: “People are already losing their lives, committing suicide, not being able to eat. I had had to donate to a friend because he got her her benefits sanctioned and she had to go to a food bank. I’m physically seeing the impact around me and it’s only going to get worse.” |
| Updated at 11.42am BST | Updated at 11.42am BST |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| The first pictures are coming in from the demo. | The first pictures are coming in from the demo. |
| First sight on leaving station for @pplsassembly demo. Massive teachers' union balloon thingy #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/lSY6D2fLAL | First sight on leaving station for @pplsassembly demo. Massive teachers' union balloon thingy #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/lSY6D2fLAL |
| Housing is a right not a privilege #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/3SYwye7dtN | Housing is a right not a privilege #EndAusterityNow pic.twitter.com/3SYwye7dtN |
| Greens assembling! #EndAusterityNow #JuneDemo pic.twitter.com/JZYuYoE5uS | Greens assembling! #EndAusterityNow #JuneDemo pic.twitter.com/JZYuYoE5uS |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| Fairbairn also indicated he was backing Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership bid. Corbyn is the only Labour leadership hopeful who will be speaking at the demo. “We would like the whole Labour party to be there obviously. But Jeremy is the only candidate who takes a principled anti-austerity, anti-war stance consistently,” he said. | Fairbairn also indicated he was backing Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership bid. Corbyn is the only Labour leadership hopeful who will be speaking at the demo. “We would like the whole Labour party to be there obviously. But Jeremy is the only candidate who takes a principled anti-austerity, anti-war stance consistently,” he said. |
| The Guardian’s Seumas Milne has previously written about why Corbyn’s leadership ballot must be welcome. “By providing a rallying point for those who want opposition to austerity and endless war, his candidacy should at least halt the mainstream candidates’ stampede to the right – which is taking them further away from the voters they need to win back,” he wrote. | The Guardian’s Seumas Milne has previously written about why Corbyn’s leadership ballot must be welcome. “By providing a rallying point for those who want opposition to austerity and endless war, his candidacy should at least halt the mainstream candidates’ stampede to the right – which is taking them further away from the voters they need to win back,” he wrote. |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| Last week, the People’s Assembly (the umbrella group of activists behind the march) criticised Labour leadership hopefuls Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall for their no show at the rally. Sam Fairbairn, the group’s national secretary, said the politicians had failed to grasp the level of public anger at budget cuts. He said: | Last week, the People’s Assembly (the umbrella group of activists behind the march) criticised Labour leadership hopefuls Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall for their no show at the rally. Sam Fairbairn, the group’s national secretary, said the politicians had failed to grasp the level of public anger at budget cuts. He said: |
| We don’t want to get involved in internal Labour debates, but its definitely timid of them not to show up. This is why Labour lost the election, because they didn’t take a hard enough line against austerity. Contrary to what the Blairites are saying about [former Labour leader Ed] Miliband being too leftwing, I think the opposite really. | We don’t want to get involved in internal Labour debates, but its definitely timid of them not to show up. This is why Labour lost the election, because they didn’t take a hard enough line against austerity. Contrary to what the Blairites are saying about [former Labour leader Ed] Miliband being too leftwing, I think the opposite really. |
| Fairbairn also speculated that Burnham, Cooper and Kendall did not want to be accused of double standards, having signed up to Labour’s pre-election budget responsibility lock to eliminate the budget deficit. | Fairbairn also speculated that Burnham, Cooper and Kendall did not want to be accused of double standards, having signed up to Labour’s pre-election budget responsibility lock to eliminate the budget deficit. |
| From their own point of view it might sound very hypocritical to attend a rally calling for no cuts when they have signed up to austerity. And even if they wanted to they would be nervous about how they would be received on the demonstration. | From their own point of view it might sound very hypocritical to attend a rally calling for no cuts when they have signed up to austerity. And even if they wanted to they would be nervous about how they would be received on the demonstration. |
| For a long time the Labour party has taken a bad line on austerity. But we work with lots of Labour party members across the country who still hold to those founding principles of the Labour party. | For a long time the Labour party has taken a bad line on austerity. But we work with lots of Labour party members across the country who still hold to those founding principles of the Labour party. |
| A spokesman for Andy Burham’s team suggested all the candidates would be tied up at a leadership hustings debate in Stevenage, which started at 11.30 this morning. Though this would give the candidates time to make the roughly 45-minute journey to Parliament Square in time for the planned afternoon speeches at the end of the march. | A spokesman for Andy Burham’s team suggested all the candidates would be tied up at a leadership hustings debate in Stevenage, which started at 11.30 this morning. Though this would give the candidates time to make the roughly 45-minute journey to Parliament Square in time for the planned afternoon speeches at the end of the march. |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| Police crack down on activists ahead of protest | Police crack down on activists ahead of protest |
| There were reports last night that police have cracked down on activists previously linked to direct action protests in lieu of this afternoon’s demonstration. Sources told the Guardian that at least three activists arrested on suspicion of offences at earlier demonstrations have been handed fresh bail conditions forbidding them from attending the march. A fourth activist was arrested on suspicion of offences at an anti-gentrification protest in Brixton in April and released on bail under similar conditions. A fifth attended a police station voluntarily and was not arrested. | There were reports last night that police have cracked down on activists previously linked to direct action protests in lieu of this afternoon’s demonstration. Sources told the Guardian that at least three activists arrested on suspicion of offences at earlier demonstrations have been handed fresh bail conditions forbidding them from attending the march. A fourth activist was arrested on suspicion of offences at an anti-gentrification protest in Brixton in April and released on bail under similar conditions. A fifth attended a police station voluntarily and was not arrested. |
| Critics have accused the police of staging a politically motivated crackdown. Lisa McKenzie, an activist with Class War, an anarchist group, said: | Critics have accused the police of staging a politically motivated crackdown. Lisa McKenzie, an activist with Class War, an anarchist group, said: |
| There seems to be a massive crackdown. There is some sort of political motivation behind all of this. This is not the Met police; they haven’t got the brains. I think there’s a political motivation to stop this wave of direct action going on all across the city. | There seems to be a massive crackdown. There is some sort of political motivation behind all of this. This is not the Met police; they haven’t got the brains. I think there’s a political motivation to stop this wave of direct action going on all across the city. |
| And a spokesman for Liberty, the human rights group, added: | And a spokesman for Liberty, the human rights group, added: |
| We have seen bail conditions abused by the police in the past to impede the right to protest of people neither charged nor convicted of a related criminal offence. The whole question of lengthy police bail when used as a restriction on protest and even on journalism needs urgent parliamentary attention. | We have seen bail conditions abused by the police in the past to impede the right to protest of people neither charged nor convicted of a related criminal offence. The whole question of lengthy police bail when used as a restriction on protest and even on journalism needs urgent parliamentary attention. |
| Updated at 12.40pm BST | Updated at 12.40pm BST |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| Met Police's map of road closures | Met Police's map of road closures |
| The Met Police have issued a map of this afternoon’s road closures, which you can see below. | The Met Police have issued a map of this afternoon’s road closures, which you can see below. |
| On Sat 20/06, the @pplsassembly will hold a national demo against austerity. Plan ahead & seek other routes #JuneDemo pic.twitter.com/zTpwUoVR6i | On Sat 20/06, the @pplsassembly will hold a national demo against austerity. Plan ahead & seek other routes #JuneDemo pic.twitter.com/zTpwUoVR6i |
| A google map of the protest route is also available here. | A google map of the protest route is also available here. |
| Updated at 12.39pm BST | Updated at 12.39pm BST |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| The Guardian’s own Damien Gayle will be on the frontline of the protest today. Here are some words from him about what we can expect. | The Guardian’s own Damien Gayle will be on the frontline of the protest today. Here are some words from him about what we can expect. |
| Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in central London today for the biggest anti-austerity march yet this year. | Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in central London today for the biggest anti-austerity march yet this year. |
| The protest, called by the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, will gather outside the Bank of England at midday before marching through central London to a rally in Parliament Square. | The protest, called by the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, will gather outside the Bank of England at midday before marching through central London to a rally in Parliament Square. |
| Police have closed roads and are expecting “substantial numbers of people” along the route, which runs from Queen Victoria Street and along New Bridge Street, Fleet Street, The Strand and Whitehall. | Police have closed roads and are expecting “substantial numbers of people” along the route, which runs from Queen Victoria Street and along New Bridge Street, Fleet Street, The Strand and Whitehall. |
| Protesters will be venting their anger at big spending cuts and privatisations planned by the Conservative government. They fear a plan to bring the national budget into surplus will have devastating effects on public services. | Protesters will be venting their anger at big spending cuts and privatisations planned by the Conservative government. They fear a plan to bring the national budget into surplus will have devastating effects on public services. |
| The government’s proposed measures are expected to include £12bn in cuts to welfare, a dismantling of human rights laws, limits on strike action and pro-business reform of public services including schools and healthcare. | The government’s proposed measures are expected to include £12bn in cuts to welfare, a dismantling of human rights laws, limits on strike action and pro-business reform of public services including schools and healthcare. |
| The leftwinger and Labour leadership hopeful Jeremy Corbyn is to make a keynote address, but the party’s other contenders – Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall – have indicated they do not plan to attend. | The leftwinger and Labour leadership hopeful Jeremy Corbyn is to make a keynote address, but the party’s other contenders – Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall – have indicated they do not plan to attend. |
| Union leaders, including Len McClusky from the Unite union, the Labour party’s biggest financial backers, will also be among the speakers, as will Russell Brand, Charlotte Church, and comedian Shappi Khorsandi. | Union leaders, including Len McClusky from the Unite union, the Labour party’s biggest financial backers, will also be among the speakers, as will Russell Brand, Charlotte Church, and comedian Shappi Khorsandi. |
| The protest is bringing together a range of causes which have self-organised into 40 blocs, ranging from cannabis campaigners to teachers to squatters. Some are travelling from as far away as Yorkshire and Teesside for the demonstration. | The protest is bringing together a range of causes which have self-organised into 40 blocs, ranging from cannabis campaigners to teachers to squatters. Some are travelling from as far away as Yorkshire and Teesside for the demonstration. |
| Organisers are expecting at least 100,000 and say numbers could reach as many as 250,000. The Facebook event page for the protest has around 66,000 people indicating they will attend. | Organisers are expecting at least 100,000 and say numbers could reach as many as 250,000. The Facebook event page for the protest has around 66,000 people indicating they will attend. |
| The protest is the latest in a wave of demonstrations following the surprise Conservative majority following the May general election. The first, a day after the results came in, descended into violence outside Downing Street that resulted in 15 arrest. A second, weeks later, saw a UKIP MP, Douglas Carswell, surrounded by demonstrators chanting “fascist scum”. | The protest is the latest in a wave of demonstrations following the surprise Conservative majority following the May general election. The first, a day after the results came in, descended into violence outside Downing Street that resulted in 15 arrest. A second, weeks later, saw a UKIP MP, Douglas Carswell, surrounded by demonstrators chanting “fascist scum”. |
| Today’s protest is expected to be peaceful, despite stories in the last edition of the Mail on Sunday accusing activists of a “riot plot” to turn the demonstration into “a rampage”. | Today’s protest is expected to be peaceful, despite stories in the last edition of the Mail on Sunday accusing activists of a “riot plot” to turn the demonstration into “a rampage”. |
| The Metropolitan police said it has been organising with People’s Assembly and will deploy liaison teams throughout the day. “We will be facilitating peaceful protest and are working with the organisers to ensure this happens,” the force said. | The Metropolitan police said it has been organising with People’s Assembly and will deploy liaison teams throughout the day. “We will be facilitating peaceful protest and are working with the organisers to ensure this happens,” the force said. |
| However, if recent demonstrations are anything to go by, it is likely that large numbers of riot police will be on standby. | However, if recent demonstrations are anything to go by, it is likely that large numbers of riot police will be on standby. |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| Nadia Khomami | Nadia Khomami |
| Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s anti-austerity demo live blog. Whether you’re snuggling on the sofa in your PJs or out on the streets of Westminster exercising your right to protest, stay with us as we attempt to keep you up to date with all the news from what is expected to be the biggest march of its kind in four years. | Good morning, and welcome to the Guardian’s anti-austerity demo live blog. Whether you’re snuggling on the sofa in your PJs or out on the streets of Westminster exercising your right to protest, stay with us as we attempt to keep you up to date with all the news from what is expected to be the biggest march of its kind in four years. |
| The End Austerity Now rally has been organised by The People’s Assembly and is supported by various unions and campaign groups. It aims to highlight the damage caused by government cuts and privatisation across the country, while also sparking a debate about how to protect the welfare state and develop an alternative to the current political and economic status quo. | The End Austerity Now rally has been organised by The People’s Assembly and is supported by various unions and campaign groups. It aims to highlight the damage caused by government cuts and privatisation across the country, while also sparking a debate about how to protect the welfare state and develop an alternative to the current political and economic status quo. |
| Tens of thousands are down to attend the march. A similar one is taking place in Glasgow. If you’re one of the demonstrators and think there’s something we should covering, or if you’re a bystander who sees something noteworthy, don’t feel shy to email me on nadia.khomami@theguardian.com or tweet me @nadiakhomami. You can also contribute your stories to Guardian Witness. | Tens of thousands are down to attend the march. A similar one is taking place in Glasgow. If you’re one of the demonstrators and think there’s something we should covering, or if you’re a bystander who sees something noteworthy, don’t feel shy to email me on nadia.khomami@theguardian.com or tweet me @nadiakhomami. You can also contribute your stories to Guardian Witness. |
| The hashtags being used for the event are #EndAusterityNow and #JuneDemo. | The hashtags being used for the event are #EndAusterityNow and #JuneDemo. |
| Updated at 11.33am BST | Updated at 11.33am BST |