Activists take steps against Browne report

Both student activist groups such as Leeds University Against Cuts (LUUAC) and trade union groups took part in the march.
The march was organised in light of Chancellor George Osborne revealing that almost 500,000 public sector jobs would be lost as well as a seven billion pound cut to the welfare budget, earlier that day.
The announcement comes just days after the release of the Browne report, which suggested that universities should substantially increase fees and Vice Chancellor Michael Arthur predicted the average fee of a degree at Leeds University would be in excess of £7000.
The march, which began at the Parkinson steps, carried on towards the city centre where it was met by trade unionists and other protesters.
The protest amassed a following of well over 100 students.
The march was a largely peaceful affair although chants of ‘no cuts, no way!’ and ‘Cameron is a c***’ were expressed by protesters.
Although there was a small police presence, there was little cause for concern as the various union leaders and protests gave brief speaches
Ged Colgan, member of the Student Socialist movement called for a “mass movement” against the proposed cuts. He also used the current strikes in France as an example of what needs to take place in Leeds and the UK, where three million workers are currently on strike against the proposed pension reforms and, as a result, almost a quarter of schools are closed.
Colgan further added, ‘the government is attacking everyone at once, and if we unite and fight together, we will win.’
However there was general concern as to how much effect the march would have.
An anonymous student stated that she did not believe the protest would change anything but was instead about “raising awareness and being a united voice.”

Leeds students march to the city centre to protest against the proposed budget cuts