UK Uncut in Newcastle: 300 in noisy, angry, peaceful direct action

In Newcastle around 300 people protested at tax avoidance today. Coalition of Resistance activist Ben Ponton reports:

'Today has seen a nationwide campaign of action against corporate tax avoiders. A rolling protest throughout Newcastle city centre formed blockades, invasions and flash mobs at shops belonging to Vodafone, Boots, Carphone Warehouse, Topshop, Dorothy Perkins, BHS, Marks & Spencer, Next, and HSBC and Lloyds TSB banks, ultimately blockading Market Street police station after two protesters were arrested.'

Mark Tyers of Counterfire reports:

'During a tax avoidance protest in Newcastle city centre involving hundreds of students, trade unionists and community activists, two people have been arrested. They were detained at the entrance of HSBC apparently on charges of obstruction of an entrance. The protestors moved to the police station to protest against the arrests. 

Earlier we had a sit-down protest in Marks and Spencer. In Eldon Square, the main shopping centre, we protested outside Top Shop and in 4 hours visited most of the targeted shops twice. Noisy, angry but peaceful direct actions.'  

See UK Uncut for the national picture and background.


Share