Yesterday, I was at one of the most diverse, vibrant demonstraitons, I have been to for years, proudly joining over 250,000 people as we stood together against the divisive, bigoted, climate-denying, policies of Donald Trump. It was the biggest protest against Trump outside the US to date, despite the vitriol of our slogans and chants, the mood was a festive one of jubilation and defiance rather than aggressive, as we basked in glorious sunshine, in a carnival of resistance. A very special day as our humanity was shared.
People young and old from many different walks of life, gathered at Portland Square from around 2 pm, marching to Trfalgar Square for a mass rally, that featured politicians including Jeremy Corbyn. Labour leader, and David Lammy Labour MP, and columnist Own Jones..
In a video posted on Twitter, Corbyn described the Trump administration policie "as putting the lives and wellbeng of millions of people at risk."
He also criticised Theresa May for her "red carpet welcome" despite Trump "tepeatedly trampling on the most basic fundamental rights that all of us hold dear." Adding 2our democracy comes from popular action, our right to demonstrate in this Square was hard fought for and hard won, the rights of women to vote was hard fought for and hard won. We're asserting our rights to demonstrate and live in a world that's not divided by misogony, racism and hate." To huge cheers he said "We come together becuse I wish to live in a world of peace, not war. I wish to live in a world where refugees are not blamed for th wars that they are victims of, When we divide ourselves by xenophobia we all lose, when we unite around common objectives we can all win."
Together we managed to show our solidarity, with those marginalised groups that have born the brunt of Trumps regressive points of view managing to make international headlines. At the same time we managed to send a clear message to our own government that we wont accept or tolerate the dangerous actions of the US president., or allow them to become the norm and acceptable, at the same time making it loud and clear that he was not welcomed.Accusing him of creating a culture of racism, intolerance and misogony via his vile policies of targetting minority groups.
As the rally came to a close, people cooled down from a long hot day of protest by splashing in the fountain in the middle of Trafalgar Square, and despite the bus that took us to London and breaking down, and getting gridlocked, meaning that we did not get back till about 6.am this morning, I believe a positive day was had by us all, a truly momentous occasion of political significance..
When we fight back together, in solidarity, we are more powerful, our love will always trump hate.
The huge turnout was a huge victory to everyone fighting racism, sexism and austerity. My thoughts are with those marching again today against supporters of fascist Tommy Robinson who are gathering in central London.
