UK Uncut’s Great London Street Party: The future’s not what it used to be…

21 May 2012: On Saturday 26 May, UK Uncut will be hosting the Great London street party of resistance

The government are slashing public services and making the most marginalised people in our society pay for an economic crisis they did nothing to cause. It doesn’t have to be this way. In 1948 the UK’s national debt was far larger than it is today, but instead of cutting services and hitting the poorest hardest the NHS and the Welfare State were born.

So forget the Queen’s Jubilee and join the only London street party worth going to this summer – UK Uncut’s Great London Street Party. Let’s celebrate the services that are being destroyed, take the fight to the streets and party for our future, a different future, a better future, that we can build together.

Meeting Points:

Meeting point – Outside 1 London Bridge

The future’s not what it used to be… for women.

‘Domestic violence victims don’t go and storm the local town hall to demand more help; rape victims don’t go to the local paper to complain that there isn’t a good service for them. They are invisible.’ Women are facing the heaviest burden across all of the cuts – it’s time to show this government of privileged white men that women will not be an ‘easy target’.

Meeting point – Opposite University College Hospital, Euston Road

The future’s not what it used to be… for the NHS.

It was in this hospital that David Cameron unveiled the results of the ‘listening exercise’, promising that the NHS would be safe in their hands. The NHS is now being starved of cash and sold off to private firms and tax dodgers, yet as we all know, ‘The NHS will last as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it’. Show this government that there are still millions of people who still have the faith to fight!

Meeting point – Waterloo Station Concourse

The future’s not what it used to be… for the Welfare State.

Half a million disabled people are set to lose government support, EMA is being axed and almost every form of welfare payment is being cut – this bloc is fighting back against the demonisation of ‘benefit scroungers’.

This is the most accessible bloc for the party. In order to maintain access, disabled participants have the option of travelling via a more accessible route that is direct and reduces changing modes of transport. We have checked our travel plans with disabled activists and can provide accessible transport from Waterloo to the party. So, if you’ve got any specific needs or you’re concerned about travel on the day, please email ukuncut@gmail.com so we can make arrangements for everyone.

Meeting point – Parliament Square

The future’s not what it used to be… for real democracy.

The Houses of Parliament, the ‘mother of all parliaments’- home to a rich and disconnected elite forcing through law after law that the majority of the public didn’t vote for. Economic policies dictated by bankers and financial markets, unjust wars opposed by millions, and big business calling the shots on every decision – this is not real democracy. Join the movement for real democracy to decide our future together.

Things to bring:

- A tfl zone 1-6 off peak day travel card so you can get to the secret party location (£8.50, best bought in cash).

- Food – it wouldn’t be a street party without plenty of food to share.

- Water – you’re going to be out all day, so make sure you’re prepared with lots of water.

- Friends! – bring all your mates to this party, the more the merrier.

- Costumes – dress up for the day, your vision of the past, the future, or the services closest to your heart that are facing cuts – make it fun and spectacular!

- Games & fun – we’re going to be out in the street all day, so bring fun games, instruments and things to do while we’re there.

- All the family – this should be a good day out for all ages from newborns to great grandparents. The Welfare and Women’s blocs are the most accessible for people with push chairs or wheel chairs. Please bring everything you need with you for a full day out, like a folding chair or pillow and the possibility of some standing, walking, dancing and stories of the past and of the future to share.

- Waterproofs, warm clothes, sunscreen and a hat – you just never know.

- Your rights – we never know what police reaction will be like, please come prepared with information from Green and Black Cross.

- Tons of enthusiasm and energy – needed for partying, thinking, making new friends and creating a better future.

Don’t bring:

- Bikes – you may need to leave them behind for a little while (up to you).

- Dogs (except guide dogs) – not everyone is a fan.

- Loads of booze – Quite apart from the possibility of limited toilets and overpriced bags of salted peanuts at the action, alcohol will dehydrate you very quickly (and may well turn you into a liability for others).

- Huge things or heavy things – make sure you’re able to move around fairly easily and get on public transport.

See you at the party!

For more information please visit: http://ukuncut.org.uk/blog/meeting-points-for-london-action or find the event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/232452506855123/