Islington's councillors urged to join march against government cuts

Published: 18th March, 2011
by TERRY MESSENGER

ANTI-CUTS protesters have invited Islington’s ruling Labour councillors to join them on a national protest march – despite bitter conflict over how they have ­handled the borough’s slashed bud­get.

Ken Muller, spokes­man for Islington Hands Off Our Public Services (IHOOPS), called for a show of unity against the coalition government, which withdrew £40million in grants from Islington.

The March 26 protest will move through central London and converge in Hyde Park for a rally.

Previously IHOOPS members condemned the Labour council for implementing drastic reductions in vital services and calling in police to eject protesters from the Town Hall when the decision was made.

Mr Muller said:  “Despite disagreements about whether the council should have implemented the cuts, this march is clearly directed at the Con-Dem government and the cuts they are making. We want as bigger show of united opposition to the government as possible.”

Council leader Catherine West said: “I’m very happy to join together with colleagues from IHOOPS to march with them. I think it is great that IHOOPS is still making the case for public services. We’ve got to see the big picture because what is important in these times of stress and strain is that we stick together.”

The Town Hall trade union Unison, however, is refusing to march with councillors.

Many Unison members lost their jobs as the council axed more than 300 posts.