Thousands stage anti-cuts protest

2011-03-27 01:24:17

27 March 2011 Last updated at 00:09 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print Anti-cuts march: Tens of thousands at London protest

Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.

//

Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude on cuts

Matthew Sinclair, director of the Taxpayers' Alliance which lobbies for lower taxes and greater government efficiency, said: "It's understandable that people feel upset...

"But in the end it's not valid and what politicians should be doing is not encouraging this rally but saying look, you've got to be more realistic about the options facing this country."

Did you take part in the march? What is your reaction to Saturday's events? You can send us your views and experiences using the form below.

Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7725 100 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.

Read the terms and conditions

(Required) Name (Required) Your E-mail address (Required) Town & Country (Required) Your telephone number (Required) Comments

In most cases a selection of your comments will be published, displaying your name as you provide it and location unless you state otherwise. But your contact details will never be published. When sending us pictures, video or eyewitness accounts at no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.

Terms and conditions

Send Clear

Here are a selection of your comments so far:

I am a 21-year-old student from Goldsmiths and I was in Topshop when it was attacked. I just wanted to say how pathetic the protesters are and how bitter they are. These guys don't have a clue, making all those people scared and upset because they don't know a thing about money - they just want to rebel for the sake of it. Luke Hyland, London

I won't be there, as I am one of the many disabled people concerned by the impact of cuts in money and services but unable to cope with a march. I hope our 'virtual march' will be added to the numbers of protesters. T Williams, Sheffield

How many times is the BBC News Channel going to allow this Taxpayers Alliance representative to go unchallenged? The deficit is the fault of public sector pensions. It is the direct consequence of the banking crisis. Paul Krishnamurty, Somerset

My godchildren aged between six and 14 are attending the marches with their mother. It shows that the people involved are genuine, concerned citizens protecting not only the welfare of themselves but the welfare of the future as well. These protesters are real and must be heard. Daniel Kent, Camberwell

I have just seen on the BBC news the protests in London today. The police were pelted with lightbulbs filled with ammonia. What type of disgusting human beings would attack the police like that? The police are as angry as the protesters regarding the cuts being made by the government, but they have to protect what they're told to! Jane Simpson, Manchester

While I agree in freedom of expression, the vicious attack on Topshop should be condemned - we live in turbulent times and I feel compelled to show immediate support for the proven business acumen of individuals such as Sir Philip Green and any advice they may be able to offer to help the UK out of this recession. Lisa Abbate, London

I was not able to join the march today, but am totally supportive of the marchers. The current government is demolishing so much of what has been built up over time in the public sector for no clear reason, other than ideology. The young and the old, in particular, are already suffering. There are alternatives. Annie Feltham, Brighton

The sheer hypocrisy of Labour leaders to even show their faces at this event, let alone champion themselves as protectors of the public sector is quite frankly shocking. Lest we forget they're the ones who ran the public sector into the ground by growing it into a bloated, inefficient mess and throwing money at it that we simply didn't have - especially in the dying days of their last government, in a feeble attempt to win a few votes. The coalition is simply trying to sort out the mess of the country's finances left by Labour. Ian, St Albans

Source: