'Not One Day More': Large London march says no to austerity, privatisation

July 2, 2017
Issue 
Tens of thousands march against the Tories. Photo by @jplinnell/Twitter

Tens of thousands marched through central London on July 1 to protest privatisation and austerity that has led to cuts in spending for education and public services.

Many carried signs reading: "Austerity Kills," "Cuts Cost Lives," "Not One Day More," and "Tories Out."

After holding a minute's silence in honor of the victims of the deadly Grenfell Tower fire in London, which killed at least 80 people, those in the crowd also staged a round of applause for the emergency services.

Protesters then headed towards a packed Parliament Square to hear Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other politicians and union leaders speak.

Video: Jeremy Corbyn - FULL SPEECH - Parliament Square - 1st July 2017 - Alderney Labour.

Corbyn told the crowd: “We are the people, we are united and we are determined, we are not going to be divided or let austerity divide us. We are increasing in support and we are determined to force another election as soon as we can.”

Corbyn continued: "The Tories are in retreat, austerity is in retreat, the economic arguments of austerity are in retreat. It's those of social justice, of unity, of people coming together to oppose racism and all those that would divide us, that are the ones that are moving forward. This is the age of imagination, this is the age in which we will achieve that decency and social justice that we all crave."

The event, which was organized by the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, is using the hashtag #notonedaymore on Twitter.

In a statement on Facebook, the group said: “On Saturday 1 July we invite everyone - from campaigns and community groups across the country, from the trade unions, from political parties, and any individual - to come together in one massive show of strength and solidarity. We're marching against a Government committed to austerity, cuts and privatisation. We're marching for a decent health service, education system, housing, jobs and living standards for all. We’ll hold a minutes silence for the victims of Grenfell Tower and a minutes applause for the emergency services who responded so bravely. Join us, bring your friends and spread the word."

[Reposted from Common Dreams.]

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