Dancing in Millbank

The protests in London regarding the increase in fees have widely been condemned in the press and by government. They argue that the violence that occurred at the Tory party HQ meant that the march and protest was 'hijacked' by some extremists and that the thrust of their campaign has been lost. Whilst not condoning any violence towards police or individuals, I think that the occupation of Millbank was important and understandable. I too danced around to the pulse of the sound system and shouted 'They say cut back - we say fight back!'. History has shown that marches that simply end in a field with a poor PA system, listening to a long list of trade union leaders may be worthy, but is simply ignored by the Government and by the media. Attention to the tripling of Fees for students, and the impact on education of government cuts is now firmly on the agenda. People are angry, and this was their first opportunity to express it. Thousands of people joined in the party and occupation, and 99% of it was good humoured and positive. There was very little violence towards people, and even towards the police, even when they were working hard with their batons to protect the Tory offices. I applaud non-violent direct action (which includes occupying symbolic sites as resistance to injustice) and was deeply heartened by students taking a lead in saying no to the cuts which are about to be ideologically imposed on our country by a coalition that seems to be representing the interests of the wealthy and of corporate needs. The chant 'Nick Clegg, shame on you, shame on you for turning blue' summed up the disappointment of young people that the lib dems have colluded with Tory cuts and not entered into the coalition with a strategy to protect public services.

The press will say one thing, but those of us who were there will remember what we actually saw and heard - Students actively and mostly non-violently saying that in our society education should be a right, and not a privilege. Occupations? Strikes? Public acts of resistance? Prayerful action? More will be needed, not less!