Around 2000 people attended a rally in Piccadilly Gardens in protest against the Conservative government and their programme of austerity yesterday. As the crowd gathered in the afternoon sun to express their opposition to another five years of cuts and privatisation, the atmosphere remained optimistic, with a range of speakers and singers leading the demonstration.
The occupation of the University of Manchester’s Harold Hankins Building came to an end on Thursday after the students decided to leave. The protesters’ demands for free education and their fight against the marketisation of education resounded through the country in countless messages of solidarity.
The homeless camp has been in the city centre for over a month, protesting against the dramatic rise of homelessness in Manchester and Salford. After their eviction from St Peter’s Square on Tuesday, the protesters have set up camp in St. Ann’s Square.
Stunned shoppers at the Arndale Centre witnessed a flash mob by STOP TTIP Manchester to raise awareness of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the free trade deal currently being negotiated between the European Union and the United States.
Manchester City Council has given back to the government a “substantial” amount of funding intended for people falling behind on housing costs after thousands of pounds went unspent in the last two years.
What issues do the growing numbers of refugees and asylum seekers face in North Manchester and Salford, and are they being supported? Kathrin Ohlmann reports.
Yet more adult social care cuts are on the way, with Manchester City Council refusing to rule out potential day care centre closures for people with learning and physical disabilities.
