Basingstoke youth group joins march against Government cuts (From Basingstoke Gazette)
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Basingstoke youth group joins march against Government cuts
8:45am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Local By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter
Basingstoke Youth Movement's Daniel O'Loughlin, centre, with other protesters
A COACH-load of protesters from Basingstoke travelled to London to join a march against Government cuts to public services and jobs.
The group included members of Basingstoke Youth Movement who took part in the rally through Hyde Park organised by the Trade Union Congress, joining an estimated 100,000 people.
Daniel O’Loughlin, co-founder of Basingstoke Youth Movement, said: “We felt as a group that some cuts were always going to have to be necessary but the speed and depth of the cuts we feel has been too much.
“In Basingstoke the local authorities have had to deal with these cuts and we feel as a group that young people, among others, are feeling the pinch. This is why we felt this protest was worthwhile us taking part in.”
The demonstration involved members of trade unions, community and political groups and members of the public, who took to the streets against the Government’s spending cuts and privatisation. It was supported by various unions, including Unison, which provided the coach travel to London from Basingstoke.
Hampshire Unison branch secretary Tim Cutter said: “Communities are under threat from the destruction of public services.”
Daniel, a 26-year-old college lecturer from Popley, added: “It was great seeing other groups who are having the same issues as we are and the different methods they are using to support young people in their areas.”
