UK Uncut’s Great London Street Party

The government is slashing our 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.

The exact details of this special party aren’t being announced yet, but there are going to be four blocks to choose from, starting in different places in central London. Pick which block you want to be in, get together with your friends, start preparing and be ready to join the action at 11am on Saturday 26 May.

The future’s not what it used to be… for women
In the 1940s, women were joining the work force in their thousands. In 1948, the introduction of the NHS meant that it wasn’t only privately insured men who could access healthcare. A few years later an act was passed that stated that women teachers and civil servants should receive equal pay. This group is for everyone who wants to fight the disproportionately devastating impact of the cuts on women. Whether its the closure of women’s refuges, sure start, sexual health clinics, unemployment – particularly from cuts to the public sector, cuts in housing benefits or health in pregnancy grants- to name but a few- its time to take action!

Meeting point: Outside 1 London Bridge

The future’s not what it used to be… for the National Health Service
In 1948 the Olympics were held in Britain and the National Health Service was born. There are few countries which provide free health care for everyone in the country. From tummy ache to tuberculosis, the NHS has people who will look after you for free. The NHS is very special and worth fighting for – yet it’s being dismantled and sold off despite massive opposition from the public and healthcare professionals. This group if for anyone who works in or cares about the NHS.

Meeting point: Opposite University College Hospital, Euston Road


The future’s not what it used to be… for the Welfare State
In 1945, it was thought that the government should care for people ‘from cradle to grave’. It was seen as important to make sure that people had food, shelter, health and education so that society was more equal. That’s what the Welfare State was set up to achieve. But today the Welfare State is under attack. The cuts to Disability Living Allowance, Education Maintenance Allowance and Job Seekers Allowance are massive and are particularly damaging for disabled people, people on low incomes, students, single parents, women, children, the unemployed and ethnic minorities. If you get angry every time a politician says the words ‘benefits scrounger’ – this is the group for you. 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: Waterloo Station Concourse


The future’s not what it used to be… for real democracy
The government’s assault on our future is being dictated to us by a pack of rich and powerful tax dodgers, bankers and politicians who handsomely reward themselves and their friends while ruining our future. Whether you’re angry about the UK fighting unjust wars, building new nuclear weapons, refusing to tackle climate change or helping big business decide key policies, you’ll probably agree that democracy in the UK is in pretty bad shape. But it does not have to be this way. We can decide our future together, we can and must talk and work together, debate, plan and take action. This is the block for people who may want to plan a people’s assembly to talk about a future that we decide.

Meeting point: Parliament Square

We’re going to party for a while, so make sure you’re prepared for the day. Dress up with your vision of the past, the present or our future – bring some food to share, bring your mates, bring outdoor games and be ready for a very different kind of street party…

For more details see Guest post: Meeting points for London Action

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