As expected, the official demonstration for the tory conference left much to be desired.
Though a great number of campaign groups ranging from the nationalist Radical Independence
Campaign, through to the usual trade unions and bureaucratic left were present, the ever
present problem of sectarianism between official protest agendas and direct action by
grass roots groups was obvious. ---- Foreseeing this problem, myself and other anarchists
from Edinburgh and Aberdeen made a point of breaking the scheduled march in order to stand
in solidarity with Glasgow Against ATOS and other disability campaigners directly outside
the conference centre where our presence could be more readily felt. ---- By the time we
arrived, at approximately 11.15am, the already present protesters had experienced hassle
from the police; but staying true to their principles they stood their ground. Displaying
flags proudly, and to be silenced, members of AFED did the same when joining the group,
despite further harassment by police and liaison officers.
When the official protest march arrived, their progress was halted by police who had
mobilised to form a barricade of officers and vans ? effectively dividing the official
march from direct action groups and preventing the majority of protesters from breaking
through to join us.
Despite this, morale was kept high. Speeches from individual protesters were given to
encourage solidarity and embolden the crowd. Chants continued- amplified through the use
of megaphones, whistles and rattles. Slogans condemned the Tory party?s notorious
reputation for defending corporations, and direct references were made about the death
toll that has resulted from brutal welfare reforms and sanctions. Most commonly heard
chants included ?The enemy is profit!? and ?Iain Duncan Smith- blood on your hands!? A
revolutionary air was maintained throughout, with anarchists openly leading and
maintaining chants advocating revolution.
In comparison to the tame affair experienced by those participating in the march, the
group maintained a large level of noise and benefited from the lack of formal speakers as
it allowed each individual an opportunity to be heard. Indeed, the feeling of solidarity
with fellow protesters was stronger than ever by the time the protest dissolved.
However, the amount of disruption the days actions caused is debatable. Arguably direct
action has been replaced by a passive aggressive desire to shout at walls and the timid
attempt of the march to break through police lines is another indication of the dwindling
strength of the left.
The next step is to perhaps encourage anarchists to get more in touch with their roots, to
improving outreach and numbers so that real disruption can be caused and a more lasting
impact be made. It is clear that discontent with the current status quo is growing and
this is an opportunity we cannot let slip by.
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