#occupydemocracy: The Return to Parliament Square

November 18, 2014 Category: Democracy Action Working Group, News No Comments

Get involved this Friday (21 November) from 6pm, as #occupydemocracy returns to Parliament Square for a long weekend. We will also be supporting the 24-hour Save The NHS vigil in the Square, which starts on Thursday at 7pm – https://www.facebook.com/events/1399914726928640/.

We’re coming together because we want genuine democracy – free from corporate influence – a democracy where our voices count. Our votes, so hard won by the struggles of previous generations, have little value if politicians ignore the population they’re supposed to serve.

Join us and help us build the movement for real democracy, in whatever way you can.

Why?
Our democracy is in crisis. Under the banner of ‘austerity’, our public funds have been stolen to bail out the gambling banks. Parliamentarians fail to deal with child abuse scandals, while much-needed public services are gutted in preparation for yet more privatisation.

The main political parties do not represent us – they’ve been captured by corporations and lobbyists. There’s little difference between one of these party’s policies and the next, and the decisions they make are for the benefit of corporations and the super-rich, not for the 99%.

Nobody voted for the dismantling of the NHS, tripling of tuition fees, the Bedroom Tax, welfare cuts, an attack on disabled people and those on benefits, fracking under our homes, or secret trade deals that give corporations power over how our country is run. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, while corporations pay an ever-decreasing amount of tax. We must act to put a halt to this before it gets even worse.

The media rarely reports it, but every day people are protesting about the symptoms of this crisis of democracy – symptoms including depressed wages, a housing crisis, hospitals threatened with closure, an escalating climate crisis, police brutality, wars we don’t support, benefit cuts and blacklisting. These are all symptoms of the same disease: corruption of our democracy.

A new movement for a revolution in democracy
Last month, we occupied Parliament Square peacefully for nine days. The Establishment responded with over-policing and media silence, a strategy designed to paralyse us. We remained peaceful and resolute, asserting our right to protest and assemble. Our numbers grew and we kept on with a solutions-focused programme of debates, talks and entertainment. On the final night we agreed a provisional set of demands.

Now, we need to escalate our campaign. We have a real opportunity between now and the general election to put the spotlight on our ailing democracy. We want to work with a wide range of people and groups, to collectively bring about a democracy that puts people, community and the environment before profits. We work by consensus, have a safer spaces policy and are dedicated to non-violence.

Come join us as we #occupydemocracy.

How can I get involved?

Drop by and help build the movement for Real Democracy Now!
Bring warm clothing and food to share
Get involved in the conversation on twitter – follow the #occupydemocracy hashtag
Check out the website for the full updated programme – http://occupydemocracy.org.uk/
If you can’t get down to the Square, get together with your friends and create your own event, action or occupation.
Share the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/697553266979460/
SHARE THIS CALL OUT FAR & WIDE!