News / Bristol
‘Anti-austerity movement is building across Bristol’
People from all corners of Bristol are preparing to pick up placards and take to the streets in a mass rally against Government-imposed austerity.
“It’s broader now and it’s building,” says Owen Lloyd-Jones of the protest movement that is currently mobilising thousands, including those who have never previously spoken out.
As one of the organisers of the mass demonstration on Saturday, September 9, the Bristol’s People Assembly representative is hopeful that change is in the air and says the anticipated high turnout will send a strong political message to Westminster.
is needed now More than ever
“Cuts are already having an impact across communities and they are affecting some of the most vulnerable people and those who are least able to organise to stand up to it,” says Lloyd-Jones.
“In wealthy communities, people will be able to club together and crowdfund community centres, but that’s not an option for poor areas.”
At least 17 organisations and groups in Bristol have pledged their support for the rally
He is talking about the string of crippling cuts to public services in Bristol that are hitting libraries, parks, adult social care, school crossing patrols and more, as the council struggles to operate within the constraints of a budget that has been reduced by more than £100m by central Government.
Mayor Marvin Rees has admitted the austerity measures are bringing the city to breaking point and has publicly backed the rally, saying if people turn out in their thousands, he can go to Westminster on September 12 with a strong mandate for change.
“The support of Labour locally will make a big difference to the rally,” continues Llloyd-Jones. “It’s become more Bristol against Westminster.
“I think that if the rally is what we are aiming for – mobilising people in their thousands – that could be a kind of visibility that makes politicians worry about their careers in a way that might actually motivate them to do something.
“It might give a push to what’s already quite a wobbly government. It’s about changing the mood as much as anything else.”
“Momentum seems to be ramping back up after the general election which probably brought a lot of this back to the forefront,” says Owen Lloyd-Jones
The anti-austerity movement is already gaining renewed momentum and, for the first time, communities – from Southmead to Hartcliffe and beyond – are speaking out collectively and engaging in the fight.
Unions, disability forums, NHS campaign groups, activists for housing, education and public services, political parties and more are all actively involved in the rally.
Organisers believe the rally – expected to be the biggest Bristol has ever seen – will have a national impact and other cities have also pledged to host their own demonstrations.
Lloyd-Jones believes the General Election changed things and exposed the Government’s weakness, renewing the drive within communities to fight against cuts that are affecting people’s lives.
On announcing plans for a mass rally, a spokesperson the Bristol People’s Assembly said: “We know this is a weak, unstable government, facing mass public opposition, and if we act collectively, keep building this movement and don’t give up, they’ll have no choice but to back down or to call another election.
“The momentum is on our side now, and we don’t plan on letting up any time soon.”
Thousands marched through the streets of Bristol in May to protest against cuts to school budgets
A flash mob will take place outside Blackboy Hill Cycles on Whiteladies Road on Saturday, September 2, at 12pm to highlight the cause and a stewards meeting will be held in Hamilton House on Tuesday, September 5 at 6.30pm, both of which volunteers are welcome to attend.
The mass rally begins on College Green at 12pm on Saturday, September 9.
Read more: ‘Rally for Bristol and hand the Government a mandate for change’
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