Thousands March Against Tuition Fees
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November 9, 2011 TheFreshOutlook  |
Thousands of protesters call for “Free Education” as they march through London this afternoon. Witnesses confirm a large police presence.
A coalition of students, teachers and union members are marching against the “privatisation” of British universities. Their protest, which began at midday on Wednesday, calls for an end to rising tuition fees.
Protesters are making their way to the City of London, carrying banners and calling for “Free Education”.
According to reports, a small group of students broke away from the march to set up camp in Trafalgar Square. However, police officers cleared the 20-tent camp this afternoon.
Last year’s student protest ended in violent scenes, with over 100 arrests. As a precaution, some 4,000 officers have been deployed to the streets of London. Officers have also been supplied with rubber bullets, which will only be used in “extreme circumstances”.
In addition to ground control, police and news helicopters have been hovering above the march, which began in London’s university district.
The BBC’s Mike Sergeant explained that high police presence has slowed down the march. There is “very little opportunity for protesters to break away”, he said. “It is quite extraordinary how it’s being policed.”
However, campaign leader, Michael Chessum said the “police intimidation is unacceptable and irresponsible”.
He added that students were “angry” at the privatisation of higher education and should have the right to demonstrate.
Claire Lister, a student from Birmingham University, explained why she was marching today.
“I will be marching with tens of thousands of students fighting to defend education and against privatisation. This demonstration is a response to the white paper which, if implemented, will result in attacks to staff numbers, reduced access for students and restricted courses.”
In response to today’s march, Universities Minister David Willetts argued that students were being kept at the “heart of the system” and would be financially supported by the government.
“Most new students will not pay upfront, there will be more financial support for those from poorer families and everyone will make lower loan repayments than they do now once they are in well paid jobs.”
Today’s march has been organised by the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts and is continuing, peacefully, throughout the city.
By Catherine Rees
[Image courtesy of Andrew Moss Photography]
