aAh! Magazine
You are here: Home / News / Manchester Represented At National ‘People’s Assembly Against Austerity’ Meeting
News

Manchester Represented At National ‘People’s Assembly Against Austerity’ Meeting

25th June 2013 By 0 183

Words by Neil Harrison
Representatives from Manchester meet Owen Jones at the People’s Assembly in London on Saturday

REPRESENTATIVES FROM MANCHESTER WERE AMONG a 4000-strong crowd at ‘The People’s Assembly Against Austerity’ in Westminster, London at the weekend.
The event, which made headline news, was attended by numerous political figures and activists – including Tony Benn, Ken Livingstone and Unite General Secretary Len McClusky, who called for ‘mass industrial action’.
Among the speakers was Stockport’s own Owen Jones (pictured with members of the Manchester delegation). The Chavs author and Independent columnist has been touring the country speaking at local People’s Assembly meetings, the largest of which was held at Manchester’s Central Hall, for months. He had this to say ahead of his speech on Saturday morning:
“It’s an incredible turnout. This is the biggest anti-austerity meeting since the [financial] crisis began. What this is about doing is building a united, broad movement. This is just the beginning – it’s a launchpad.”
“In the months ahead we’ll see local groups protesting [and taking] direct action. We’re going to send a loud, clear message to the government – enough is enough.” 
Attendee of both the regional and national meetings, David West, of Manchester, added:
“Manchester hosted the largest People’s Assembly in the country before today, with over 700 people in attendance, so it is only fitting that we are well represented here in London.”
“There are groups here from Salford University, local councils, Manchester students, local bedroom tax campaigns and many other groups affected by the cuts.”
To find out more about what went on at the People’s Assembly in London click here. 
Neil Harrison is studying Social History at Manchester Metropolitan University. He is an aspiring journalist and a terrible guitar player. Read his blog LooseRiver and follow him on Twitter @LooseRiver

About the author / 

aAh!

aAh! Magazine is Manchester Metropolitan University's arts and culture magazine.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • 12th February 2026

    Society Spotlight: Fashion Society – the creatives redefining Manchester’s fashion scene

    Featured image: Molly Goble and Anna Comerford aAh! Magazine fashion editor Imogen Burgess meets the Manchester fashion creatives rewriting the rules of the industry. Fashion has long been defined by its connection to exclusivity and elitism – an industry where “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” rings true. This phrase, also a…

  • 12th February 2026

    Opinion: “There’s no replacement for third spaces”

    Featured image: Ciara Reynolds and Charle Mooney Every Tuesday, 91-year-old Joan walks from her flat to Turncroft Lane in Stockport to set up for the weekly ballroom dancing. Joan, a dedicated member of Woodbank Community Centre, has been attending ballroom classes for more than 20 years – and she has no plans to slow down anytime…

  • 12th February 2026

    5 places to live in Greater Manchester after you graduate

    Featured image: Aigerim Zhumabay Life comes at you fast once you leave uni. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make post-degree is where to set up home. If you plan on staying in Manchester, there’s so much more to the city’s suburbs than Chorlton or the familiar sights around the Oxford Road/Wilmslow Road corridor. Greater…

  • 12th February 2026

    Beginner’s Guide to Sam Fender: 6 songs to turn you into a true fan

    Featured image: Georgina Hurdsfield Sam Fender has become impossible to ignore in the past year, from being crowned the Mercury Prize winner to releasing his best-selling album, selling out stadiums, and receiving four Brit Award nominations. The Geordie’s indie-pop anthems and addictive, rock-influenced tunes provide something for the masses to sing their hearts out to. If…

Latest Articles