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THIRTY thousands people have signed-up to a national anti-austerity protest since the Tories won the election.
Around 2,500 people were attending the People’s Assembly’s “end austerity now” demonstration before Thursday, according to the Facebook page for the event.
But the number of people preparing to hit the streets surged to 33,000 yesterday as disappointment turned to determination.
Coaches have been organised to bring people from across Britain to the demonstration outside the Bank of England on June 20.
People’s Assembly national secretary Sam Fairbairn believes the turnout on the day could be over 100,000.
And he predicted the rally could spark a wave of resistance on a par with the anti-poll tax movement that was crucial in forcing out Margaret Thatcher.
He told the Star: “I think there will be such a big movement that they won’t be able to govern for five years.
“We’re on the brink of something like the poll tax demos. I don’t think there’s ever been a demo where 30,000 people have signed up in two days.
“Although the Tories managed to get a majority, 60 per cent of the population or more rejected austerity and these are the people that will be marching next month.”
Some people yesterday labelled the demonstration “anti-democratic” in posts on the Facebook event page.
Ryan Cockrell wrote: “Democracy isn’t challenging the government, the elected representatives of the majority, after being in charge for two days.”
Aaron Clark added: “Tories got a MAJORITY vote. Behave.”
But socialist screen star Maxine Peake was among activists who said the result did not mean they should simply accept Tory cuts.
“Direct action is the only way to stem the constant ruthless attacks on our society by this arrogant and vicious system,” she wrote in a message revealed by the People’s Assembly at the weekend.
“If we don’t stand up we will lose our most precious assets.”
“Assets that have been fought so long and hard for. The NHS, our public services, legal aid, the list goes on.
“We don’t have to take it, so we do have to stand up on June 20.”