Manchester Represented At National 'People's Assembly Against Austerity' Meeting

Words by Neil Harrison

Representatives from Manchester meet Owen Jones at the People's Assembly in London on Saturday

REPRESENTATIVES FROM MANCHESTER WERE AMONG a 4000-strong crowd at ‘The People's Assembly Against Austerity’ in Westminster, London at the weekend.

The event, which made headline news, was attended by numerous political figures and activists – including Tony Benn, Ken Livingstone and Unite General Secretary Len McClusky, who called for ‘mass industrial action’.

Among the speakers was Stockport's own Owen Jones (pictured with members of the Manchester delegation). The Chavs author and Independent columnist has been touring the country speaking at local People's Assembly meetings, the largest of which was held at Manchester's Central Hall, for months. He had this to say ahead of his speech on Saturday morning:

“It's an incredible turnout. This is the biggest anti-austerity meeting since the [financial] crisis began. What this is about doing is building a united, broad movement. This is just the beginning – it's a launchpad.”

“In the months ahead we'll see local groups protesting [and taking] direct action. We're going to send a loud, clear message to the government – enough is enough.” 

Attendee of both the regional and national meetings, David West, of Manchester, added:

“Manchester hosted the largest People's Assembly in the country before today, with over 700 people in attendance, so it is only fitting that we are well represented here in London.”

“There are groups here from Salford University, local councils, Manchester students, local bedroom tax campaigns and many other groups affected by the cuts.”

To find out more about what went on at the People’s Assembly in London click here. 

Neil Harrison is studying Social History at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is an aspiring journalist and a terrible guitar player. Read his blog LooseRiver and follow him on Twitter @LooseRiver