Hundreds take to the streets
People from all walks of life marched in freezing weather through Norwich this lunchtime.
Social workers and teachers joined firefighters, youth workers and carers in Chapelfield Gardens, angry at proposed cuts to public services and jobs.
Organised by the Norfolk Coalition Against the Cuts, it’s estimated around a thousand people came out in the cold to join the march. For one former local MP, it was a show of solidarity. Dr Ian Gibson said: “This is one of the biggest marches I’ve seen in Norwich in my lifetime. It’s amazing. It reflects the anger at the cuts they’re going to make.”
Others are concerned about the impact the cuts will have. Julia Heywood, a private sector care-worker said: “I’ve seen what happens when services go to the private sector and how they’re run on the cheap. I want to protect other services from going that way.” A social worker for Norfolk County Council, who’d been told not to talk to the press said: “I feel very strongly that we’re going to see the end of public services as we know it.”
Martin Paine, a factory convener added: “They’re ripping the soul out of Britain… It isn’t about cuts, it’s an ideology that wants to get rid of the welfare state.” Peter McKernon, a public sector worker: “The thing I’m really fired up about is tuition fees. This is my 16 year old son – and the idea that he’ll be faced with debts of £60,000. I’m really furious. What sort of way is that to start a working life?”
The march through Gentleman’s Walk past City Hall was followed by speeches from union representatives and political parties who addressed the crowd. One man listening, who didn’t want to give his name said: “This is a relatively small demo but I think there are a lot of people who are on the fringes of getting involved with opposition.”
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