UK Student voices: 'We'll fight on'

[marmar]

from the BBC:



Mike, London

I was one of hundreds of protesters who were kettled on Whitehall. I was forced up against a van by police - and struck repeatedly in the face with a shield. What happened to me was completely ridiculous.

I graduated in July from Durham University and now I work in sales. I joined the protest on the main march from the University of London Union to Parliament Square in London. I didn't know that was our destination, but it's where police seemed to guide us.

........

Nikki Crowley, 44, Newcastle

I protested in Newcastle in support of the students - my son is at university and I have two daughters who will start next year.

About 3,000 students and workers marched for several hours around the city to a standing ovation from workers at the civic centre. Shoppers were clapping and applauding the students as we went past.

Police were trying to corner demonstrators, unsuccessfully, and we rallied at the monument. The city centre roads were blocked.

I was marching as a public sector worker under threat of redundancy. The two issues go hand-in-hand. The students do not stand alone.

........

Paul Hogan, 26, Birmingham

I'm quite happy about the vote's narrow majority. Our protest split the Lib Dem vote in two, and that can only be a good thing.

Another good thing is that students have become politicised by this. I met so many on the march who said "this is not good enough". And that will continue next year - remember these protests are not just about student fees. ............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11965694

[dipsydoodle]

1. "where police seemed to guide us"

is complete bollocks.

The agreement was based on them NOT going to Parliament Square. Once they'd occupied the Square it was their decision to be there. They were asking for trouble and they got it as soon as they ripped up the fencing and launched it at the police - that was the point at which the police retaliated.

I appreciate its difficult to draw accurate conclusions from snippets - if you'd seen all of the footage from lunchtime to late evening it might provide a better understanding.

The comedy section of course was where they broke though the bomb proof windows of the Treasury building oblivious to the fact the police were inside the building. The police were infact kind enough to not drag some them throught the window frames into the building. had they done the protestors would have little to gripe about - its where they seemed to want to be. Mugs.

[Poboy]

2. Fight on!

[Catherina]

3. Fight on! n/t