Are top Lib Dems too yellow to come to Oxford, say chicken protesters
Jumbo | 17.11.2010 20:31 | Public sector cuts | Social Struggles | Workers' Movements | Oxford
Two Oxford campaign groups did a 'chicken flashmob' at the Liberal Democrat Constitiuency Offices todayat 1pm. They protested against cuts to universities and other public services. The 50 protesters dressed as chickens, claiming that both Nick Clegg and Vince Cable, the country's top two Liberal Democrats, pulled out of visits to Oxford because they do not want to face protests.
Two Oxford campaign groups did a 'chicken flashmob' at the Liberal Democrat Constitiuency Offices todayat 1pm. They protested against cuts to universities and other public services. The 50 protesters dressed as chickens, claiming that both Nick Clegg and Vince Cable, the country's top two Liberal Democrats, pulled out of visits to Oxford because they do not want to face protests.
Since the Coalition government announced the deepest cuts to public spending since the 1920s there have been two appointments for senior Liberal Democrats to come to Oxford. Both have faced large protests. Vince Cable was widely reported to have cancelled his visit two days before an appointment at Oxford University. He claimed that the police had advised him not to come, although they later denied this. A protest of 1200 students happened anyway on the 28 October.
Now Nick Clegg has also cancelled his appointment to speak at Oxford Student Union Debating Society on 17 November, stating 'diary issues'. Students had planned a large protest against his U-turn on support for tuition fees and cuts. He has apologised to local Liberal Democrat supporters in a letter, and promises to return.
Save Our Services campaigner, Jane Townsend, said: “It seems that there are no top Lib Dems that aren't too yellow to come to Oxford. It's no coincidence that there were protests openly planned for their visits, and that they both pulled out at the last minute. Is that their solution to public anger at their U-turns on student fees and broader cuts, hide away from the public? That's not being accountable and that shows that they know their policies are unfair.”
Oxford Education Campaign member, Claire Jones, said: “Coalition policies on education, are making it the elite preserve of families that can afford huge fees. If Lib Dems vote for fees they will be breaking a pledge that each of them has made to students not to do so. And now they won't even come to Oxford to hear what we've got to say. They are chickens”
See www.oxfordsos.org.uk to get involved with Save Our Services and fight public service cuts
Also get involved with Oxford Education Campaign for a just education system on http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_130167367036847
Since the Coalition government announced the deepest cuts to public spending since the 1920s there have been two appointments for senior Liberal Democrats to come to Oxford. Both have faced large protests. Vince Cable was widely reported to have cancelled his visit two days before an appointment at Oxford University. He claimed that the police had advised him not to come, although they later denied this. A protest of 1200 students happened anyway on the 28 October.
Now Nick Clegg has also cancelled his appointment to speak at Oxford Student Union Debating Society on 17 November, stating 'diary issues'. Students had planned a large protest against his U-turn on support for tuition fees and cuts. He has apologised to local Liberal Democrat supporters in a letter, and promises to return.
Save Our Services campaigner, Jane Townsend, said: “It seems that there are no top Lib Dems that aren't too yellow to come to Oxford. It's no coincidence that there were protests openly planned for their visits, and that they both pulled out at the last minute. Is that their solution to public anger at their U-turns on student fees and broader cuts, hide away from the public? That's not being accountable and that shows that they know their policies are unfair.”
Oxford Education Campaign member, Claire Jones, said: “Coalition policies on education, are making it the elite preserve of families that can afford huge fees. If Lib Dems vote for fees they will be breaking a pledge that each of them has made to students not to do so. And now they won't even come to Oxford to hear what we've got to say. They are chickens”
See www.oxfordsos.org.uk to get involved with Save Our Services and fight public service cuts
Also get involved with Oxford Education Campaign for a just education system on http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_130167367036847
Jumbo
Homepage:
http://www.oxfordsos.org.uk
Additions
Another chance to meet Nick Clegg
17.11.2010 21:35
Invitation to the seventh
Hugo Young Lecture with
Rt. Hon. Nick Clegg MP
Lucy Young and the Scott Trust, in association with Unlock Democracy,
invite you to the seventh Hugo Young Lecture.
This is an excellent chance for members to quiz the Deputy Prime
Minister with special responsibility for political and constitutional
reform on the Governments constitutional agenda.
The coalition Government have an ambitious legislative programme which
includes many issues Unlock Democracy (and its predecessors) have long
campaigned for. These issues include the upcoming AV referendum,
Fixed Term Parliaments, House of Lords Reform, Party Funding reforms.
We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. This
event is on a first come first served basis.
Venue: Kings Place, Hall 190 York Way, London, N1 9GU
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Reception from 18.30
Lecture at 19.00
RSVP to: hugoyounglecture@guardian.co.uk
informer
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