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This was the rallying cry as protesters marched on York on Tuesday to demonstrate against the government’s planned education policy. Hundreds of students from the University of York, York St John and a number of local sixth form colleges took to the streets in opposition of proposed tuition fee increases and the scrapping of EMA.
The scenes in York may not have quite replicated those in London or even other larger cities, but the huge turnout on a freezing day in November was certainly impressive. It was a clear indication that students in York, just like those across the country – are vehemently opposed to the government’s direction on education.
Speaking to those in attendance, there was a clear sense of this unity in opposition. Former YUSU Union Council Chair and Labour candidate for the upcoming Heslington council elections stated – “I think the fact that so many people have turned out in the snow shows the strength of feeling against the government’s education”.
His sentiments were echoed by former Green Party candidate for York Central, Andy Chase stating – “this is certainly the largest demonstration I can remember seeing in York. I think it is a clear indication of how students feel betrayed by the government on fees.”
This sense of betrayal was clearly at the heart of the demonstration – with much of the resultant anger aimed at the Liberal Democrats. Indeed, while there were cries of “Tories out” it was the Lib Dems, and in particular Nick Clegg who seemed to have incurred the full wrath of the protesters. Perhaps the most memorable recurring chant of the march was “Nick Clegg shame on you – shame on you for turning blue”.
Notable was the sheer number of students from sixth form colleges in attendance. Of course, this is hardly surprising as these are the group who will be tangibly affected by any tuition fee rises. Speaking to sixth form students, there was a sense of uncertainty about the future of their education. In fact, many sixth form students revealed that they had scrapped planned gap years - fearing the higher price of University should they delay a year.
It is these senses of fear, anger, betrayal and uncertainty that have combined to create such a sense of solidarity and a united movement against the government’s plans. With the Commons vote on tuition fees taking place on Thursday, the efficacy of this movement is yet to truly be measured. However, many such as York University fresher Tom Wyatt believe that such protests are important, whatever the result: “I think it’s important that we take to the streets to show that we are not content to lie down and take this fiscal abuse!”
With strength of sentiment running throughout the movement both in York and nationwide, it seems unlikely that demonstrations will die down anytime soon. Indeed, it remains to be seen, but this may well be but the beginning of a growing student protest movement.
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