G20 Protests in London, 2009: Put People First March
Craig went up to London to document the recent protests for In London Magazine:
Thousands turned up for the Action Aid Put People First protest on Sat 28th March in London, ahead of the G20 summit the following week. The march gathered at Embankment and gained momentum as it moved through Parliament Square up towards Trafalgar Square, along through Piccadilly Circus and onward towards Hyde Park. The march was a predominantly peaceful demonstration, which seemed to be controlled very well by the authorities. I joined the march at Parliament Square and encountered no hostilities or aggressive behaviour whatsoever. That being said, I could not help but notice the fundamental flaw in the demonstration. Although there was a common objective, there was no unity as such. The protesters were divided into smaller factions who all wanted their ailments to be aired. United we stand, divided we fall.
For all the speeches at Hyde Park, nobody really said anything beyond what you might hear at a political election rally. I’m the first to admit that I am in no way versed in the intricacies of the immediate problems or solutions facing us at such a critical stage, but I’d like to take comfort in the fact that there are some suggestions being thrown into the bowl by those who claim to know. I am very well aware that as things stand we are in severe dire straits indeed. I don’t need to be told that things need to change, I want to be told what alternatives we have as individuals and what alternatives the Government and businesses have. The horse has bolted and now we want to shut the gate.
I applaud the people who turned up for the march, but can’t help but feel a little frustrated at the lack of input by the people who apparently have our best interests at heart. What are you bringing to the party? Shouting at the top of my voice that I want things to change achieves little more that a sore throat and a bitter taste in my mouth.
