‘Rally against debt’ activists call for more cuts in Westminster protest

Pro-cuts groups, including Ukip and the TaxPayers’ Alliance, look to US Tea Party movement for inspiration as anger grows over EU bailouts Hundreds of pro-cuts activists have taken part in a “rally against debt” opposite the Houses of Parliament, in the first Tea Party-style protest to challenge the anti-cuts lobby. The protest, attended by an alliance of rightwing and libertarian activists including members of the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA), the anti-Europe UK Independence party and the Freedom Association, was billed as giving a voice to those who think the UK is living beyond its means. There were also calls for the government to stop bailing out other EU countries. Matthew Sinclair, director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “There have been lots of chances for other groups to register their protest, and we want to give a voice to people who represent quite a heavy majority who think spending cuts are right and necessary. “But some areas aren’t being cut at all while spending is rising elsewhere, with contributions to the EU and international development spending.” The organisation’s debt clock, mounted on a lorry, was driven past the protest several times. More than 1,400 people had indicated on Facebook that they would attend , but at lunchtime only about 350 people were gathered at Old Palace Yard to be addressed by the speakers, who included Sinclair and Ukip leader Nigel Farage. They held placards bearing messages including “Drowning in debt”, “No more EU bailouts” and “Stop spending money you don’t have”. Some protesters chanted: “What do we want? Cuts! When do we want them? Now!” Farage said: “This is not a celebration of libraries closing or lowly paid people losing their jobs. “This is an acceptance that this country is in the most desperate trouble and that despite the cuts we’re increasing spending in some areas. We need to make cuts and we need to prioritise where these cuts are coming from.” Priti Patel, Conservative MP for Witham, said: “This government is all about deficit reduction. I don’t think enough people realise the extent of the debt facing this country. It is totally unsustainable. “This is a wake-up call that debt is here to stay unless we deal with it in a serious way.” Mark Littlewood, director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, told the rally: “We won’t put up with this. We are the selfless movement. We’re not asking for money, we’re asking for cuts to make sure our children and grandchildren don’t have to foot the bill.” One protester, James Dighton, a 24-year-old accountant from Leeds, said: “It’s very important to get the message out there that not everyone in the country thinks the cuts are unnecessary – quite the opposite, in fact.” A handful of protesters opposed to cuts were also present, with one waving a sign mocking the rally that read: “Libraries suck.” The action comes amid growing interest among rightwing groups in learning from the US Tea Party movement, which has mobilised hundreds of thousands of activists to march against Barack Obama’s policies. Electoral commission records show that in March, Ukip activists registered the name Tea Party as a political party. It is not yet active, but they said they could field candidates in general elections, byelections and local elections. Protest Tea Party movement Public sector cuts UK Independence party (Ukip) David Batty guardian.co.uk

Posted by on May 14, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.