On Saturday (5th February) around one
thousand people – Egyptians, Londoners and others ‑ gathered outside the
United States embassy and later marched through central London to the
Egyptian embassy. The protest was called to show solidarity with the
revolutionary struggle of the people of Egypt.
NEXT DEMO: RALLY AT TRAFALGAR SQ THIS SAT. 12.00 – 14.00
On Saturday (5th February) around one
thousand people – Egyptians, Londoners and others ‑ gathered outside the
United States embassy and later marched through central London to the
Egyptian embassy. The protest was called to show solidarity with the
revolutionary struggle of the people of Egypt.
Outside
the US embassy the crowd heard speeches from various activists
including some who had spent time in Tahrir Square and witnessed the
revolution unfolding first hand. These especially highlighted the
immense courage and resilience of the people of Egypt. Labour’s
candidate for London Mayor and former holder of that post, Ken
Livingstone, also sent his message of solidarity.
The gathering then marched through London’s shopping district and its
multi-million pound residential area towards the Egyptian embassy. The
march was very vocal with chants like “down, down Hosni Mubarak” and
“from the Nile to the sea, Egypt, Egypt will be free”. Young Arabs were
especially energetic and loud, leading the march carrying the Egyptian
flag. Young men and women walked side by side, united by their desire to
change society for the better.
the procession approached the Egyptian embassy, the slogans become even
louder as people shouted at the top of their voices. Their burning
passion forced their vocal cords to the limits. The protest filled the
street that houses the embassy as their voices echoed off the walls of
the narrow street. Men, women and young children demonstrated their
support for the revolution unfolding across the Arab world and sent a
clear message to the dictatorial regime of Mubarak and its
representatives in London sitting in the embassy – “we want rid of you
and your despotic rule”.
However, although passionate, the speeches were lacking in a clear
perspective. People knew exactly what they did not want. They certainly
did not want Mubarak and his cronies in power any longer. What was
lacking were clear demands and what to do next. The people want
democracy, but how is that to be achieved? But more importantly, how are
we to remove this stubborn dictator who clings to power like chewing
gum to one’s hair? This task falls to the working class itself. An
indefinite general strike will shake the ruling class and Mubarak’s
government out of the canopy of power like the monkeys they are. Once
the people have taken power they must establish a constituent assembly
for the immediate task of drawing up a new constitution to give all the
democratic rights including the right to organise free trade unions and
workers’ parties. This will give the people the tools at least to start
transforming their society.
As the political crisis in the Middle East precipitated it brought to
the fore the fundamental divide in society. The youth, workers and all
the oppressed peoples in general have united in struggle against the
despots and the exploiting class they represent. The fires of revolt
that began in Tunisia have set aflame the whole Middle East. A tiny
ember of that fire landed in London on Saturday with this demonstration.
The crisis of capitalism has turned the whole world into a tinder box
ready to explode. It has only become a question of when a where.
would like to relay the support and solidarity of Londoners who
participated in the demonstration on Saturday to the Egyptian people.
We, the Marxists in Britain, would also like to add our fraternal
greetings to the revolutionary peoples of the Middle East. But we must
also warn that the ruling elite along with the imperialists are plotting
behind the backs of the people. You must be vigilant but most of all
you must not hesitate! Take decisive action before the opportunity is
lost – take power!
