'Funk the Cuts' targets scores of high street banks and flagship stores in Leeds

Inspired by UK Uncut, a new group calling themselves 'Funk the Cuts' have set up in opposition to the government cuts currently being implemented. This Saturday saw the groups first day of protests as 40 people gathered outside the Corn Exchange in Leeds City Centre at 11.30am. From there they went on to highlight the alternative to the government cuts by targeting the banks who were bailed out by the taxpayer and two flagship stores avoiding paying the tax.

'Political parties' were set up inside Natwest, Barclays, Topshop and Vodaphone. Among the people involved in the protest were many people involved who were new to direct action. All four banks and shops were shut down for up to 20 minutes each - and hundreds of flyers were handed out to the public along the way.

A spokesperson for the group, Joseph Blake said:

“We know the energy that goes into having a party every weekend in this city. Funk the Cuts is a callout to channel this energy against the cuts. People across the UK are rightfully angry at the ideological cuts being implemented but feel helpless that there is nothing they can do about it. Funk the Cuts is about using direct action in a funky and creative way to encourage as many people as possible to take part.”

A student from Leeds University who helped set up Funk the Cuts said:

“Across Europe people are now starting to stand up against illegitimate government austerity measures which are protecting the very richest whilst impacting on the very poorest disproportionately. From the student protests in London, to the riots in Greece, the union protests in France and the recent demonstrations in the capital of Spain, ordinary people are coming together to say we won't pay for your crisis”.