Catholics join marches across UK calling for 'a future that works'

Oct 21st, 2012

Some of the Burnley community centre group with banner - Cllr Paul Reynolds, Chris Keene both on right

Christians of all denominations were among tens of thousands who joined in peaceful marches organised by the TUC in London, Glasgow and Belfast on Saturday, to protest at government cuts. In London, more than 150,000 people marched from the Embankment to a rally in Hyde Park.

Catholic general secretary designate of the TUC Frances O’Grady, called for the creation of “a new economy that works for working people.”

She said this means addressing the causes of the financial crisis that brought the present situation about. “We need to start with root and branch reform of the financial sector-from a new state investment bank to a crackdown on the corrupting City practices that placed self-serving rewards over the interests of the real economy,” said Ms O’Grady. “Next we need to get Britain back to work. Young people have been the hardest hit by the recession, but youth unemployment has been creeping up for much of the last decade.”

She called for a rolling back of the neo-liberalism of the past 30 years. “Instead we need decent pensions, fair pay and a nationwide drive for a living wage,” said Ms O’Grady, who also called for corporate Britain to be held to account, not least by forcing it to pay its fair share of taxes.

Catholic General secretary of the Communication Workers Union Billy Hayes warned Labour leader Ed Miliband to invest in the economy should he become Prime Minister, not continue with the cutting agenda of the Coaliton Government. He called for “a jobs led recovery or there will be stagnation.” He called on the next Labour Government to follow the example of the post-war administration of Clement Attlee with a commitment to “educate, employ and house the next generation.”

Christianity Uncut, a ecumenical network of Christians working against the UK government's cuts agenda, were present at all three marches. The group received messages from many Christians who were unable to join in person but offered their support and prayers.

In a statement the network said: "many churches are witnessing the effects of growing poverty, unemployment and homelessness in their own communities. They urged Christians to be at the forefront of campaigns for alternatives, such as a crackdown on corporate tax dodging, the cancellation of the Trident nuclear weapons system and a cap on private sector rents.

Sally Rush, who travelled from Milton Keynes to join the march in London, said: “As a Christian, as well as part of wider society, I believe I have a responsibility to campaign against the causes of poverty as well as working to minimise the effects. For me regularly praying "your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven" means I have to actively engage in seeking that kingdom. That's why I'm marching.”

One twelve-strong group which joined the London march, came from the Stoops & Hargher Clough Youth and Community Centre in Burnley, which is one of three centres in the town being threatened with closure under government austerity measures. Ward Counsellor Paul Reynolds told ICN: "We are one of the poorest boroughs in England and have the highest youth employment in the UK. The centre offers services to more a thousand people a month. The council is now asking volunteers to pay for use of the centre. It makes no sense at all. Group spokesman Chris Keene, a parishioner from St Mary's Catholic Church in Burnley explained: "There are 14 virtually full-time volunteers at the Centre. If we were paid, the salaries bill would be huge. Our centre costs little and gives so much to the community. To date no details have been received of the level of charges that will be introduced.

“This means the council appear to expect unfunded voluntary groups to run sessions without knowing what debts they will be building up. In addition to this lack of notice there has been no consultation, which could result in seven volunteer-led sessions per week for children being suspended or shut completely.”

Speaking after the march, director of the St Anthonys Centre for Church and Industry in Salford, Kevin Flanagan said: " It was a great rally - families, unions, groups united. The basic call is for justice and fairness. Solidarity is not dead when you experience the support of so many. We can take democracy and freedom to protest too lightly its an important part of preserving our freedoms. I didn't see many Bishops on the way round but there were many committed laity showing Christian Social Teaching in action."