Why I'm here at Occupation!

Samuel Barnard - President of Socialist Workers Society

The government are making consistent and sustained attacks against the working conditions of the public sector. At the same time UWE's Vice Chancellor Steve West lobbied the government for the changes that essentially became the White Paper. This isn't simply an attack against the workers of this country, but a complete restructuring of the way we understand society starting with the education system. The damage this will do for people's ability to live happy and prosperous lives cannot be underestimated.
Last year was the beginning of the resistance against government austerity and restructuring. This occupation, in support of the unions striking on November 30th is an important step; both in building solidarity and support between everybody being attacked by the government's actions, but in also building connections with anybody who wants to be a part of resistance whether they have the time to fully commit, or just want to be more aware of what's happening.
The occupation is a brilliant space for us to have meetings, discussions and organise. It represents the students reclaiming space that can be used to build the sorts of community we wish to see, the same as the Occupy movement which has spread globally.
This is our time to fight back; Strike! Occupy! Resist!