UK Uncut supporters protest outside Nick Clegg’s home

UK Uncut activists organised a street party today just outside the deputy PM’s Putney home to protest against government’s cuts.

For the protest, hundreds of anti-austerity campaigners reached Putney just before 1pm, after some disabled activists managed to secure the availability of the road, in front of Nick Clegg’s house chaining their wheelchairs together.

UK Uncut movement confirmed that today’s parties were planned to resist government’s cuts, in an attempt to celebrate alternatives to austerity. 

South London’s demonstration was only one of 11 contemporaneous protests around the country. In Sheffield, protesters targeted Clegg’s constituency, in Manchester they drew the attention towards corporate tax dodging and finally in Nottingham, it was the turn of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, dubbed the Sheriff of Nottingham, after he announced further welfare cuts.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that no arrests were reported.

Clegg’s spokesman said: “People have a right to peaceful protest.”

A large display of uniformed and plain-clothed police officers watched the demonstration lead by performers and activists. Several campaigners said there was a relaxed atmosphere as many Uncut supporters participated with their children while others shared a pick-nick.

Sarah Evans of UK Uncut explained how campaigners feel betrayed by this government, and in particular by the deputy PM, saying: “Nick Clegg made a personal choice to cut public services, he is an architect of austerity. This isn’t what he stood for at the last election, and it’s not what people voted for. We aren’t prepared to let Nick Clegg and his coalition allies wreck our future. […] We are celebrating the public services like the NHS that we love, and celebrating a different future, decided by us, not a bunch of millionaires.”

Simon Hope, a UK Uncut supporter, who joined today’s street party, said: “I came to this protest because I think the government is trying to use the Jubilee next weekend to distract people from the cuts and the tough times people are facing as a national sedative.”

Mr. Hope insisted that today’s demonstration was a wake up call, confirming that UK Uncut will not stand silent in front of the government’s cuts, adding: “Nick Clegg can’t ignore us now, we are bringing democracy home.”

Annalisa Ratti