Editor`s note:
I think that opposition to the status quo, is international, the article relates to a situation happening in the United Kingdom, in one way I am very surprised that this could even happen, but considering the circumstances this is not unexpected.
Bank protesters turn branches into services
Sunday 27 February 2011 by John Millington, Campaigns Reporter
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Anti-cuts activists opposed to the bank bailout occupied 40 branches across the country on Saturday, pilling on the pressure against RBS, Lloyds and Natwest.
The action co-ordinated by UK Uncut saw people set up “essential services” in banks, including creches, hospitals, libraries and job centres on Saturday.
Campaigners pointed out that the banking bailout had cost billions but had only led to super profits for the rich, while the government is gearing up to slash public spending.
In Islington, North London, 50 activists set up a laundry in an RBS branch in reaction to cuts to services for the elderly, including a much-needed laundry service.
Local Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn who took part in the action saluted UK Uncut: “The banks caused the crisis of 2008. Public money bailed them out and now the poorest pay the price.”
Public anger surged following RBS’s announcement that, after making a loss of £1.1bn, the 83 per cent publicly owned bank still paid out £950m in bonuses – including a £2m bonus for chief executive Stephen Hester.
Lloyds also announced large profits of £2.2bn and, because of previous losses, they paid no corporation tax in the last financial year.
Both banks have well over 100 offshore subsidiaries in tax havens.
Anti-cuts activist Ruth Griffiths said: “RBS, Natwest and Lloyds would have all collapsed if it were not for the billions given to them by the taxpayer.”
“It was their greed and reckless gambling that caused the economic crisis, yet while ordinary people are paying the price in cuts to vital services and benefits they are awarding themselves obscene bonuses.”
Campaigners in the US also took part in similar protests, drawing inspiration from the British anti-cuts movement.
Co-founder of UK Uncut Tim Jones said: “This international day of action will be one of many to make governments around the world stand up to the banks and make them pay for their crisis and to ensure the super rich stopping dodging tax.”
johnm@peoples-press.com
