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| Version 8 | Version 9 |
|---|---|
| Police arrest protesters at march against scrapping of student grants | Police arrest protesters at march against scrapping of student grants |
| (about 2 months later) | |
| 5.56pm GMT | |
| 17:56 | |
| Summary | Summary |
| We’re closing the blog now. Thanks for reading. Here’s an early version of the full story, written by Josh Halliday, that will be on the site very shortly: | We’re closing the blog now. Thanks for reading. Here’s an early version of the full story, written by Josh Halliday, that will be on the site very shortly: |
| Protesters have clashed with police as thousands of students marched through central London in a rally calling for free education, with some activists throwing smoke bombs and targeting government buildings. | Protesters have clashed with police as thousands of students marched through central London in a rally calling for free education, with some activists throwing smoke bombs and targeting government buildings. |
| At least 12 demonstrators, who were calling for the end of fees, the return of maintenance grants and an end to student debt, were arrested following scuffles with police along the route. | At least 12 demonstrators, who were calling for the end of fees, the return of maintenance grants and an end to student debt, were arrested following scuffles with police along the route. |
| Dozens of officers from the Metropolitan police territorial support group moved in and clashed with some demonstrators clad in black and with scarves covering their faces. | Dozens of officers from the Metropolitan police territorial support group moved in and clashed with some demonstrators clad in black and with scarves covering their faces. |
| Some let off flares and one was thrown towards police. A small number of activists attempt to break into the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) building. | Some let off flares and one was thrown towards police. A small number of activists attempt to break into the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) building. |
| Scotland Yard said: “A small group of protesters” had thrown paint outside the Home Office and “another group attempted to push their way into the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills building but were prevented by police. | Scotland Yard said: “A small group of protesters” had thrown paint outside the Home Office and “another group attempted to push their way into the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills building but were prevented by police. |
| “During this spell, a small number of smoke bombs and eggs were thrown at police outside BIS. A cordon was put in place across Victoria Street to prevent disorder. There was no containment in place. Officers have made a number of arrests for public order offences.” | “During this spell, a small number of smoke bombs and eggs were thrown at police outside BIS. A cordon was put in place across Victoria Street to prevent disorder. There was no containment in place. Officers have made a number of arrests for public order offences.” |
| A further day of action has been called on 17 November, focused on the treatment of international students, migrants and refugees. | A further day of action has been called on 17 November, focused on the treatment of international students, migrants and refugees. |
| Students’ unions have started the process of calling a national ballot for strike action against cuts to maintenance grants and student support. Any strike action would take place in early February, with warnings of blockades and occupations. | Students’ unions have started the process of calling a national ballot for strike action against cuts to maintenance grants and student support. Any strike action would take place in early February, with warnings of blockades and occupations. |
| Earlier, the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, accused the government of betraying students as he addressed the crowd. He was greeted with cheers as he climbed up a small platform to address the students through a megaphone. | Earlier, the shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, accused the government of betraying students as he addressed the crowd. He was greeted with cheers as he climbed up a small platform to address the students through a megaphone. |
| He said: “Your generation has been betrayed by this government in increases to tuition fees, in scrapping the education maintenance allowance and cuts in education. Education is a gift from one generation to another, it is not a commodity to be bought and sold. | He said: “Your generation has been betrayed by this government in increases to tuition fees, in scrapping the education maintenance allowance and cuts in education. Education is a gift from one generation to another, it is not a commodity to be bought and sold. |
| 5.45pm GMT | |
| 17:45 | |
| This vine appears to show the remaining protesters being escorted to Charing Cross station, near Trafalgar Square. | This vine appears to show the remaining protesters being escorted to Charing Cross station, near Trafalgar Square. |
| Kettled protesters now being escorted to Charing Cross station #ldn #GrantsNotDebt #FreeEducation https://t.co/vsVuVRbB2S | Kettled protesters now being escorted to Charing Cross station #ldn #GrantsNotDebt #FreeEducation https://t.co/vsVuVRbB2S |
| 5.33pm GMT | |
| 17:33 | |
| 5.32pm GMT | |
| 17:32 | |
| Police confirm 12 arrests for 'public order offences' | Police confirm 12 arrests for 'public order offences' |
| An updated statement from the Met police has said 12 people have been arrested so far for offences relating to the student grant protests. Though it is not clear whether this number includes the recent reports of arrests at St James’s Street. | An updated statement from the Met police has said 12 people have been arrested so far for offences relating to the student grant protests. Though it is not clear whether this number includes the recent reports of arrests at St James’s Street. |
| I think this number will rise. | I think this number will rise. |
| 5.27pm GMT | |
| 17:27 | |
| Other Twitter reports back up the Met police’s claim not to have used full “kettling” tactics, but instead a cordon that blocked protesters from moving in one direction, without preventing them from moving in the other. | Other Twitter reports back up the Met police’s claim not to have used full “kettling” tactics, but instead a cordon that blocked protesters from moving in one direction, without preventing them from moving in the other. |
| This distinction is important given the controversy of Scotland Yard’s use of kettling to deal with previous protests, particularly the G20 demonstrations in 2009. | This distinction is important given the controversy of Scotland Yard’s use of kettling to deal with previous protests, particularly the G20 demonstrations in 2009. |
| The tactic has proved controversial, partly due to the fact that it can pen-in ordinary bystanders as well as protesters, as well as prove an antagonising move in otherwise peaceful protests. | The tactic has proved controversial, partly due to the fact that it can pen-in ordinary bystanders as well as protesters, as well as prove an antagonising move in otherwise peaceful protests. |
| @marksmith174 protest was right outside my office. police split protesters but didnt see any1 kettled, ppl could leave in either direction. | @marksmith174 protest was right outside my office. police split protesters but didnt see any1 kettled, ppl could leave in either direction. |
| 5.21pm GMT | |
| 17:21 | |
| Reports of more arrests at St James's Street | Reports of more arrests at St James's Street |
| There are unverified reports of more arrests being made at St James’s Street, where police appear to be moving on the hardcore group of protesters known as the “black bloc”. | There are unverified reports of more arrests being made at St James’s Street, where police appear to be moving on the hardcore group of protesters known as the “black bloc”. |
| This vine from the scene offers a sense of the noise and chaos that the previously peaceful demonstration has descended to. | This vine from the scene offers a sense of the noise and chaos that the previously peaceful demonstration has descended to. |
| Mass amount of police just rushed in, several arrested #FreeEducation #GrantsnotDebt #ldn https://t.co/45sIUpPuoE | Mass amount of police just rushed in, several arrested #FreeEducation #GrantsnotDebt #ldn https://t.co/45sIUpPuoE |
| .@damiengayle Black bloc now be arrested 1-by-1. Can u check whether ANY of them go 2 court - probs they will get bail conditions instead | .@damiengayle Black bloc now be arrested 1-by-1. Can u check whether ANY of them go 2 court - probs they will get bail conditions instead |
| 5.12pm GMT | |
| 17:12 | |
| Here’s the latest pictures, from journalist Ned Donovan, of the remnants of the protest on St James’s Street, where police appear to be “corralling” people in an effort to get them to leave. | Here’s the latest pictures, from journalist Ned Donovan, of the remnants of the protest on St James’s Street, where police appear to be “corralling” people in an effort to get them to leave. |
| Remnants of #GrantsNotDebt corralled on St James' Street, police trying to get them to disperse pic.twitter.com/u2NtWPKvjY | Remnants of #GrantsNotDebt corralled on St James' Street, police trying to get them to disperse pic.twitter.com/u2NtWPKvjY |
| Updated | |
| at 5.15pm GMT | |
| 5.07pm GMT | |
| 17:07 | |
| One Twitter user, @externalghost, casts doubt on the Met’s denial of using kettling, or containment, tactics, claiming she witnessed it when after the scuffles broke out. | One Twitter user, @externalghost, casts doubt on the Met’s denial of using kettling, or containment, tactics, claiming she witnessed it when after the scuffles broke out. |
| @marksmith174 reading the guardian liveblog of the student protests and I'm shocked to read the police are denying anyone was kettled (1/2) | @marksmith174 reading the guardian liveblog of the student protests and I'm shocked to read the police are denying anyone was kettled (1/2) |
| @marksmith174 I was right near when the clash between the anarchists and police broke out and nearly kettled myself, they absolutely did | @marksmith174 I was right near when the clash between the anarchists and police broke out and nearly kettled myself, they absolutely did |
| 5.03pm GMT | |
| 17:03 | |
| Today will not be the last day of pressure on the government’s education policy. A further day of action has been called for 17 November focused on the treatment of international students, migrants and refugees, the Press Association reports. | Today will not be the last day of pressure on the government’s education policy. A further day of action has been called for 17 November focused on the treatment of international students, migrants and refugees, the Press Association reports. |
| Students’ unions have also started the process of calling a national ballot for strike action against cuts to maintenance grants and student support. | Students’ unions have also started the process of calling a national ballot for strike action against cuts to maintenance grants and student support. |
| Any strike action would take place in early February, with warnings of blockades and occupations. | Any strike action would take place in early February, with warnings of blockades and occupations. |
| Deborah Hermanns, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, said: “We know that the fight for free education doesn’t end at the end of this demonstration. | Deborah Hermanns, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, said: “We know that the fight for free education doesn’t end at the end of this demonstration. |
| “We are not just marching for one day and for the abolition of fees. We are building a movement which can strike to win, just as other movements all over the world have won.” | “We are not just marching for one day and for the abolition of fees. We are building a movement which can strike to win, just as other movements all over the world have won.” |
| 5.01pm GMT | |
| 17:01 | |
| 4.58pm GMT | |
| 16:58 | |
| A minority of protesters have been cordoned off on St James’s Street, which is across St James’s Park from Victoria station on the way towards Piccadilly Circus and London’s central shopping district. | A minority of protesters have been cordoned off on St James’s Street, which is across St James’s Park from Victoria station on the way towards Piccadilly Circus and London’s central shopping district. |
| Jessica Elgot says some protesters are intending to head to the police station where those arrested were taken. | Jessica Elgot says some protesters are intending to head to the police station where those arrested were taken. |
| The police have cordoned off the protesters on St James Street. #FreeEducation #GrantsNotDebt #StudentProtest pic.twitter.com/1gX7DEV9Lu | The police have cordoned off the protesters on St James Street. #FreeEducation #GrantsNotDebt #StudentProtest pic.twitter.com/1gX7DEV9Lu |
| 4.49pm GMT | |
| 16:49 | |
| Jessica Elgot reports that Victoria Road is quiet and there’s no sign of any police following the arrests made on Vauxhall Bridge Road. | Jessica Elgot reports that Victoria Road is quiet and there’s no sign of any police following the arrests made on Vauxhall Bridge Road. |
| The official NCAFC Twitter account also saying “it’s over”. | The official NCAFC Twitter account also saying “it’s over”. |
| @Rozzie_Church it's over - there may be some still marching towards the end point, which has become SW1 | @Rozzie_Church it's over - there may be some still marching towards the end point, which has become SW1 |
| 4.39pm GMT | |
| 16:39 | |
| Damien Gayle has emailed in this photograph of a paint-spattered police officer taken on Vauxhall Bridge Road, near Wilton Street SW1, about half an hour ago, just after the group of protesters were arrested. | Damien Gayle has emailed in this photograph of a paint-spattered police officer taken on Vauxhall Bridge Road, near Wilton Street SW1, about half an hour ago, just after the group of protesters were arrested. |
| Paint-throwing and egg-hurling were among the activities mentioned in the police statement about why arrests were made. | Paint-throwing and egg-hurling were among the activities mentioned in the police statement about why arrests were made. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.01pm GMT | |
| 4.23pm GMT | |
| 16:23 | |
| Met police confirms arrests made | Met police confirms arrests made |
| The Metropolitan police has just tweeted this statement confirming that “a number” of arrests had been made – without saying how many. | The Metropolitan police has just tweeted this statement confirming that “a number” of arrests had been made – without saying how many. |
| The arrests were made after protesters threw paint and attempted to gain entry to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. | The arrests were made after protesters threw paint and attempted to gain entry to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills. |
| However, the force is denying that “containment” – or kettling – was used on Victoria Street. | However, the force is denying that “containment” – or kettling – was used on Victoria Street. |
| The statement said: | The statement said: |
| Shortly after 15:10hrs today, Wednesday, 4 November, a small group of protesters threw paint outside the Home Office and another group attempted to push their way into the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BiS) building but were prevented by police. | Shortly after 15:10hrs today, Wednesday, 4 November, a small group of protesters threw paint outside the Home Office and another group attempted to push their way into the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BiS) building but were prevented by police. |
| During this spell, a small number of smoke bombs and eggs were thrown at police outside BIS. | During this spell, a small number of smoke bombs and eggs were thrown at police outside BIS. |
| A cordon was put in place across Victoria Street at the junction with Dacre Street, SW1 to prevent disorder. There was no containment in place. | A cordon was put in place across Victoria Street at the junction with Dacre Street, SW1 to prevent disorder. There was no containment in place. |
| Officers have made a number of arrests for public order offences. | Officers have made a number of arrests for public order offences. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.42pm GMT | |
| 4.18pm GMT | |
| 16:18 | |
| 4.17pm GMT | |
| 16:17 | |
| Police are telling protesters that the “official demonstration” is over, according to a legal observer who spoke to Damien. They are warning anyone who stays on the streets they might get kettled. | Police are telling protesters that the “official demonstration” is over, according to a legal observer who spoke to Damien. They are warning anyone who stays on the streets they might get kettled. |
| Groups then dispersed in all directions. I’m on Vauxhall Bridge Road and vans are still coming down here in the direction of the river. | Groups then dispersed in all directions. I’m on Vauxhall Bridge Road and vans are still coming down here in the direction of the river. |
| Updated | |
| at 4.24pm GMT | |
| 4.10pm GMT | |
| 16:10 | |
| Mark Smith | Mark Smith |
| There’s a changing of the guard on this Guardian liveblog, as Jessica Elgot heads out to relieve Damien Gayle on the ground, and I am snatching the blogging chair from Mark Tran. | There’s a changing of the guard on this Guardian liveblog, as Jessica Elgot heads out to relieve Damien Gayle on the ground, and I am snatching the blogging chair from Mark Tran. |
| The best way to contact Jess and I with reports/photos/video of what’s happening on the ground is via Twitter, either @jessicaelgot or @marksmith174. Or you can email me at mark.smith@theguardian.com. | The best way to contact Jess and I with reports/photos/video of what’s happening on the ground is via Twitter, either @jessicaelgot or @marksmith174. Or you can email me at mark.smith@theguardian.com. |
| 3.59pm GMT | |
| 15:59 | |
| There are reports of arrests on Gillingham Street. | There are reports of arrests on Gillingham Street. |
| Arrests being made on Gillingham Street following clashes. #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/KvgPDu9iOs | Arrests being made on Gillingham Street following clashes. #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/KvgPDu9iOs |
| 3.54pm GMT | |
| 15:54 | |
| The kerfuffle started when hundreds of protesters burst through the police lines and ran down Victoria Street, cheering and waving flags, reports PA. Dozens of police officers gave chase down the road as the marchers darted through central London. As they ran, protesters chanted: “What do we want? Free education. When do we want it? Now.” | The kerfuffle started when hundreds of protesters burst through the police lines and ran down Victoria Street, cheering and waving flags, reports PA. Dozens of police officers gave chase down the road as the marchers darted through central London. As they ran, protesters chanted: “What do we want? Free education. When do we want it? Now.” |
| 3.53pm GMT | |
| 15:53 | |
| It’s definitely getting lively. | It’s definitely getting lively. |
| Two more #GrantsNotDebt protesters held on Vauxhall bridge road. Police vans speeding in all directions pic.twitter.com/NLtCLWBUpf | Two more #GrantsNotDebt protesters held on Vauxhall bridge road. Police vans speeding in all directions pic.twitter.com/NLtCLWBUpf |
| 3.48pm GMT | |
| 15:48 | |
| There has been an arrest on Vauxhall Bridge Road. | There has been an arrest on Vauxhall Bridge Road. |
| Police make an arrest #GrantsNotDebt on Vauxhall bridge road pic.twitter.com/NnZgnQCOyj | Police make an arrest #GrantsNotDebt on Vauxhall bridge road pic.twitter.com/NnZgnQCOyj |
| 3.47pm GMT | |
| 15:47 | |
| Sky is reporting live on “scenes of chaos” outside the department as a couple of thousand police seek to maintain order. Here are some pictures of the breakout. | Sky is reporting live on “scenes of chaos” outside the department as a couple of thousand police seek to maintain order. Here are some pictures of the breakout. |
| Pics of the #GrantsNotDebt breakout. Now passing Victoria to Vauxhall Bridge @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/eM7tKlxCQb | Pics of the #GrantsNotDebt breakout. Now passing Victoria to Vauxhall Bridge @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/eM7tKlxCQb |
| 3.42pm GMT | |
| 15:42 | |
| The Press Association has this update on scene outside the Department for Business and Skills. | The Press Association has this update on scene outside the Department for Business and Skills. |
| The protest came to a stop outside the Department for Business Innovation and Skills when dozens of officers from the Territorial Support Group moved in. Some demonstrators clad all in black and with scarves covering their face chanted and let off a blue flare as the protest was penned in. | The protest came to a stop outside the Department for Business Innovation and Skills when dozens of officers from the Territorial Support Group moved in. Some demonstrators clad all in black and with scarves covering their face chanted and let off a blue flare as the protest was penned in. |
| 3.40pm GMT | |
| 15:40 | |
| Those still kettled are being advised not to give out their personal details. | Those still kettled are being advised not to give out their personal details. |
| Just a reminder for those kettled at BIS: don't hand over personal details as condition of release. #GrantsNotDebt | Just a reminder for those kettled at BIS: don't hand over personal details as condition of release. #GrantsNotDebt |
| 3.38pm GMT | |
| 15:38 | |
| Protesters break out of 'kettle' | Protesters break out of 'kettle' |
| Some of the protesters have broken out of the kettle and started running down the street with the police giving chase, Damien tells me. | Some of the protesters have broken out of the kettle and started running down the street with the police giving chase, Damien tells me. |
| Updated | |
| at 5.08pm GMT | |
| 3.30pm GMT | |
| 15:30 | |
| A policeman tells Damien that those in the kettle will be stuck for some time. | A policeman tells Damien that those in the kettle will be stuck for some time. |
| Policeman says: "I don't think it's going anywhere for a while." #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/9QeDl6VSSF | Policeman says: "I don't think it's going anywhere for a while." #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/9QeDl6VSSF |
| 3.26pm GMT | |
| 15:26 | |
| Damien Gayle has just called in to say a few thousand protesters have been kettled outside the Department for Business and Skills, with a few scuffles. | Damien Gayle has just called in to say a few thousand protesters have been kettled outside the Department for Business and Skills, with a few scuffles. |
| After a scuffle police kettle protesters at @NCAFC_UK #GrantsNotDebt demo pic.twitter.com/ZyZauVDHCO | After a scuffle police kettle protesters at @NCAFC_UK #GrantsNotDebt demo pic.twitter.com/ZyZauVDHCO |
| 3.21pm GMT | |
| 15:21 | |
| A bit of smoke during the demo. | A bit of smoke during the demo. |
| It's all getting a bit smoky and police dogs are going wild nearby #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/sSXruXbfo0 | It's all getting a bit smoky and police dogs are going wild nearby #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/sSXruXbfo0 |
| 3.16pm GMT | |
| 15:16 | |
| The marchers have arrived at their destination, the Department for Business and Skills, which has responsibility for universities. | The marchers have arrived at their destination, the Department for Business and Skills, which has responsibility for universities. |
| #GrantsNotDebt arrives at the department for business @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/Kcagu3Y9IN | #GrantsNotDebt arrives at the department for business @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/Kcagu3Y9IN |
| 3.13pm GMT | |
| 15:13 | |
| Besides shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Natalie Bennett, the leader of the Green party is also in attendance. | Besides shadow chancellor John McDonnell, Natalie Bennett, the leader of the Green party is also in attendance. |
| Green party leader @natalieben on the @NCAFC_UK #GrantsNotDebt demo pic.twitter.com/APiqv2IYpG | Green party leader @natalieben on the @NCAFC_UK #GrantsNotDebt demo pic.twitter.com/APiqv2IYpG |
| 3.09pm GMT | |
| 15:09 | |
| It’s tricky gauging numbers at demonstrations, but the organisers are saying that more than 10,000 people are attending the march. | It’s tricky gauging numbers at demonstrations, but the organisers are saying that more than 10,000 people are attending the march. |
| Over 10k students now marching outside parliament for #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/GSdUiLyO6G | Over 10k students now marching outside parliament for #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/GSdUiLyO6G |
| Guido Fawkes says police think it’s only 1,000. | Guido Fawkes says police think it’s only 1,000. |
| Student Protest is a Very Damp Squib: Police Estimate Only 1,000 Turn Up https://t.co/zFC83etfXq pic.twitter.com/POdOHB6YKo | Student Protest is a Very Damp Squib: Police Estimate Only 1,000 Turn Up https://t.co/zFC83etfXq pic.twitter.com/POdOHB6YKo |
| 3.03pm GMT | |
| 15:03 | |
| Here is video of shadow chancellor John McDonnell. | Here is video of shadow chancellor John McDonnell. |
| 2.50pm GMT | |
| 14:50 | |
| What could be the impact of scrapping maintenance grants? Gill Wyness, lecturer at UCL Institute of Education, wrote this for The Conversation website in July. | What could be the impact of scrapping maintenance grants? Gill Wyness, lecturer at UCL Institute of Education, wrote this for The Conversation website in July. |
| Osborne’s move could have worrying implications for equity and efficiency. While poor students may not face any increase in liquidity constraints – since they will have more cash in hand than previously – they will now graduate with more debt than those from better-off backgrounds. And debt-averse students – who are more likely to be found among the poorest groups – may be put off from applying altogether. As well as being inequitable, this could also be inefficient. The expansion of higher education over the past 30 years has helped productivity, and we need to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds participate. | Osborne’s move could have worrying implications for equity and efficiency. While poor students may not face any increase in liquidity constraints – since they will have more cash in hand than previously – they will now graduate with more debt than those from better-off backgrounds. And debt-averse students – who are more likely to be found among the poorest groups – may be put off from applying altogether. As well as being inequitable, this could also be inefficient. The expansion of higher education over the past 30 years has helped productivity, and we need to ensure that talented students from all backgrounds participate. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.52pm GMT | |
| 2.39pm GMT | |
| 14:39 | |
| Downing Street is being very well protected. | Downing Street is being very well protected. |
| Riot squad are flanking the black block to ensure they don't attack Downing Street #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/qI1bXpPl7P | Riot squad are flanking the black block to ensure they don't attack Downing Street #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/qI1bXpPl7P |
| 2.35pm GMT | |
| 14:35 | |
| Student chants outside Downing Street. | Student chants outside Downing Street. |
| David Cameron fucked a pig, fucked a pig, fucked a pig. David Cameron fucked a pig - and the students. | David Cameron fucked a pig, fucked a pig, fucked a pig. David Cameron fucked a pig - and the students. |
| For the record, the prime minister has denied allegations made in a biography written by the former Tory donor Lord Ashcroft that he was involved in a bizarre university club ritual with a dead pig’s head. | For the record, the prime minister has denied allegations made in a biography written by the former Tory donor Lord Ashcroft that he was involved in a bizarre university club ritual with a dead pig’s head. |
| 2.29pm GMT | |
| 14:29 | |
| A bit of background on maintenance grants courtesy of the BBC. The decision to scrap them was announced by chancellor George Osborne in his July budget because they had become “unaffordable”. | A bit of background on maintenance grants courtesy of the BBC. The decision to scrap them was announced by chancellor George Osborne in his July budget because they had become “unaffordable”. |
| Currently, students from families with annual incomes of £25,000 or less get the full grant of £3,387 a year. More than half a million students in England receive a maintenance grant from the taxpayer, worth in total £1.57bn a year. Mr Osborne said the cost of this was set to double to £3bn in the next decade as the cap on student numbers was lifted... | Currently, students from families with annual incomes of £25,000 or less get the full grant of £3,387 a year. More than half a million students in England receive a maintenance grant from the taxpayer, worth in total £1.57bn a year. Mr Osborne said the cost of this was set to double to £3bn in the next decade as the cap on student numbers was lifted... |
| He told the Commons: “So from 2016/17 academic year, we will replace maintenance grants with loans for new students, loans that only have to be paid back once they earn over £21,000 a year. And to ensure universities are affordable to all students from all backgrounds we will increase the maintenance loan available to £8,200, the highest amount of support ever provided. | He told the Commons: “So from 2016/17 academic year, we will replace maintenance grants with loans for new students, loans that only have to be paid back once they earn over £21,000 a year. And to ensure universities are affordable to all students from all backgrounds we will increase the maintenance loan available to £8,200, the highest amount of support ever provided. |
| 2.24pm GMT | |
| 14:24 | |
| The protests are a distraction - welcome or otherwise - for some. | The protests are a distraction - welcome or otherwise - for some. |
| Student protests through Holborn today distracting us from our meeting. #studentprotest #london #amusingsigns pic.twitter.com/945yfwvGAN | Student protests through Holborn today distracting us from our meeting. #studentprotest #london #amusingsigns pic.twitter.com/945yfwvGAN |
| 2.18pm GMT | |
| 14:18 | |
| This is what some of the organisers are saying about today’s march. | This is what some of the organisers are saying about today’s march. |
| Shelly Asquith, vice president welfare, National Union of Students: “We are seeing unprecedented attacks on the poor and vulnerable. The student movement can be a progressive force in society, and it is our duty to take on the government’s regressive and reactionary agenda at all turns and to build a truly effective force.” | Shelly Asquith, vice president welfare, National Union of Students: “We are seeing unprecedented attacks on the poor and vulnerable. The student movement can be a progressive force in society, and it is our duty to take on the government’s regressive and reactionary agenda at all turns and to build a truly effective force.” |
| Hope Worsdale, Warwick for Free Education: “Since the election of Jeremy Corbyn, a new space for radicalism within British politics has been opened up. This did not happen by accident, and it did not happen without grassroots activists. Students will be keeping him to his promises of free education and pushing him to promote free education not just for home students but also for those from outside the UK.” | Hope Worsdale, Warwick for Free Education: “Since the election of Jeremy Corbyn, a new space for radicalism within British politics has been opened up. This did not happen by accident, and it did not happen without grassroots activists. Students will be keeping him to his promises of free education and pushing him to promote free education not just for home students but also for those from outside the UK.” |
| 2.14pm GMT | |
| 14:14 | |
| The marchers are now at Leicester Square, where they have become a tourist attraction. Their destination is the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the department responsible for universities. | The marchers are now at Leicester Square, where they have become a tourist attraction. Their destination is the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the department responsible for universities. |
| Tourists stop to film #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK demo at Leicester Square pic.twitter.com/QmDbxzN5BG | Tourists stop to film #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK demo at Leicester Square pic.twitter.com/QmDbxzN5BG |
| Updated | |
| at 2.15pm GMT | |
| 2.13pm GMT | |
| 14:13 | |
| Matthew Taylor has more on the background to today’s protests, which could herald a student strike early next year. Here is an extract from his full piece. | Matthew Taylor has more on the background to today’s protests, which could herald a student strike early next year. Here is an extract from his full piece. |
| Students say the election of a Tory government and Corbyn’s subsequent victory have radicalised a new generation of students, with Labour, the Greens and smaller leftwing political groups all reporting an upturn in interest. The Labour party said thousands of new members had joined its student groups in the past few months, and a spokesperson said the number of Young Labour members had doubled to around 57,000 since the start of the year. | Students say the election of a Tory government and Corbyn’s subsequent victory have radicalised a new generation of students, with Labour, the Greens and smaller leftwing political groups all reporting an upturn in interest. The Labour party said thousands of new members had joined its student groups in the past few months, and a spokesperson said the number of Young Labour members had doubled to around 57,000 since the start of the year. |
| Deborah Hermanns, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, which has organised the London demonstration, said many of those now taking the lead in organising next week’s demonstration had been Corbyn campaign volunteers. “That gave them hope, a sense that things can change, and now they realise that there is a real fight going on to protect free education and help rejuvenate student politics,” she said. | Deborah Hermanns, from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, which has organised the London demonstration, said many of those now taking the lead in organising next week’s demonstration had been Corbyn campaign volunteers. “That gave them hope, a sense that things can change, and now they realise that there is a real fight going on to protect free education and help rejuvenate student politics,” she said. |
| The demonstration is rooted in anger at government plans to scrap the remaining maintenance grants. It will demand “free education funded through progressive taxation, and an end to the scapegoating and deportation of international students”. The march is the first in what activists hope will be a series of protests and occupations in the coming months, including a possible student strike in February next year. | The demonstration is rooted in anger at government plans to scrap the remaining maintenance grants. It will demand “free education funded through progressive taxation, and an end to the scapegoating and deportation of international students”. The march is the first in what activists hope will be a series of protests and occupations in the coming months, including a possible student strike in February next year. |
| 2.04pm GMT | |
| 14:04 | |
| It’s raining, but that’s not dampening spirits at the march. | It’s raining, but that’s not dampening spirits at the march. |
| Spirits not dampened at #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/OXikNikp8P | Spirits not dampened at #GrantsNotDebt @NCAFC_UK pic.twitter.com/OXikNikp8P |
| 2.00pm GMT | |
| 14:00 | |
| Two anarchists tell Damien Gayle why they are at the demo. | Two anarchists tell Damien Gayle why they are at the demo. |
| We’re here for free education, against debt and it’s the principle. Education is a human right and grants make it more accessible. Loans mean you have to take on this debt to have access to education and that’s going to make education impossible for a lot of people. I’m lucky enough that I can study but others can’t. We’re here against this ideological battle that the Tories are waging against education they are trying to make education exclusive an that’s not right. | We’re here for free education, against debt and it’s the principle. Education is a human right and grants make it more accessible. Loans mean you have to take on this debt to have access to education and that’s going to make education impossible for a lot of people. I’m lucky enough that I can study but others can’t. We’re here against this ideological battle that the Tories are waging against education they are trying to make education exclusive an that’s not right. |
| 1.55pm GMT | |
| 13:55 | |
| The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, is there to voice support for the demonstrators. | The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, is there to voice support for the demonstrators. |
| 1.05pm GMT | |
| 13:05 | |
| There’s time for a quick samba before the marchers set off. | There’s time for a quick samba before the marchers set off. |
| Samba time at @NCAFC_UK #GrantsNotDebt demo pic.twitter.com/vaCaxbM609 | Samba time at @NCAFC_UK #GrantsNotDebt demo pic.twitter.com/vaCaxbM609 |
| 12.55pm GMT | |
| 12:55 | |
| The mood seems benign so far. | The mood seems benign so far. |
| The riot squad seem happy so far at #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/3Om94AYowe | The riot squad seem happy so far at #GrantsNotDebt pic.twitter.com/3Om94AYowe |
| 12.52pm GMT | |
| 12:52 | |
| Deborah Hermanns, 23, from the London School of Economics, and one of the organisers of today’s protests, has been speaking to Damien Gayle. | Deborah Hermanns, 23, from the London School of Economics, and one of the organisers of today’s protests, has been speaking to Damien Gayle. |
| We’re having this demonstration today because at the moment we are seeing the worst attacks on education in decades. 2010 was nothing in comparison because it’s now being attacked from many angles. | We’re having this demonstration today because at the moment we are seeing the worst attacks on education in decades. 2010 was nothing in comparison because it’s now being attacked from many angles. |
| One thing is the maintenance grants and the budget obviously announced that was being capped to 1m students. In addition to the grant cuts we are seeing a lot of other changes. | One thing is the maintenance grants and the budget obviously announced that was being capped to 1m students. In addition to the grant cuts we are seeing a lot of other changes. |
| For example, international students are paying higher fees, being monitored and so on and now they are being told they need to leave the country on the day that their degree finishes so they can’t even attend graduation. | For example, international students are paying higher fees, being monitored and so on and now they are being told they need to leave the country on the day that their degree finishes so they can’t even attend graduation. |
| Another thing is the green paper that’s likely to say that universities can increase their fees based on rankings and employment. Obviously that’s incredibly dangerous because it means that education will not be assessed on the value of learning. | Another thing is the green paper that’s likely to say that universities can increase their fees based on rankings and employment. Obviously that’s incredibly dangerous because it means that education will not be assessed on the value of learning. |
| Because of oppression in society a woman is going to earn less than a man, a black person is going to earn less than a white person so universities are going to want to attract the kinds of people get employed in better jobs afterwards. | Because of oppression in society a woman is going to earn less than a man, a black person is going to earn less than a white person so universities are going to want to attract the kinds of people get employed in better jobs afterwards. |
| 12.46pm GMT | |
| 12:46 | |
| Louisa Stark, a Goldsmiths student, tells Damien: “I’m demonstrating with the young greens. We’re anti cuts because it’s so hard to get an education these days and it’s really important. It should be free.” | Louisa Stark, a Goldsmiths student, tells Damien: “I’m demonstrating with the young greens. We’re anti cuts because it’s so hard to get an education these days and it’s really important. It should be free.” |
| Updated | |
| at 1.11pm GMT | |
| 12.32pm GMT | |
| 12:32 | |
| Damien Gayle who is covering the student protests has sent this picture, which includes a banner taking a dig at Andrew Lloyd Webber. | Damien Gayle who is covering the student protests has sent this picture, which includes a banner taking a dig at Andrew Lloyd Webber. |
| 12.11pm GMT | |
| 12:11 | |
| Thousands of young people are expected to take part in today’s demonstration to voice their anger at plans to scrap student grants and what they say is the government’s concerted attack on free education. Follow the day’s protests on our live blog. My colleague, Damien Gayle, will be providing updates from the scene, while Matthew Taylor explains what’s at stake. | Thousands of young people are expected to take part in today’s demonstration to voice their anger at plans to scrap student grants and what they say is the government’s concerted attack on free education. Follow the day’s protests on our live blog. My colleague, Damien Gayle, will be providing updates from the scene, while Matthew Taylor explains what’s at stake. |
| Organisers say up to 10,000 young people from campuses around the country are expected to march through central London - rallying outside the Department for Business and Skills at 4pm. The main focus is chancellor George Osborne’s plans to scrap the remaining system of student grants, with students claiming that will deter young people from low-income families from going to university. | Organisers say up to 10,000 young people from campuses around the country are expected to march through central London - rallying outside the Department for Business and Skills at 4pm. The main focus is chancellor George Osborne’s plans to scrap the remaining system of student grants, with students claiming that will deter young people from low-income families from going to university. |
| But the concerns of those taking part run much deeper than that: at stake is the structure and purpose of higher education in the UK. They see a raft of government policies - including the mooted introduction of variable fees - as a big step towards a privatised university system. | But the concerns of those taking part run much deeper than that: at stake is the structure and purpose of higher education in the UK. They see a raft of government policies - including the mooted introduction of variable fees - as a big step towards a privatised university system. |
| Deborah Hermanns from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, which organised today’s demonstration, said: | Deborah Hermanns from the National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts, which organised today’s demonstration, said: |
| ”It is based on an ideological commitment to fully privatising higher education. It is this vision for a fully-blown market that the government is now pursuing, and it is doing it through a maze of new acronyms and regulatory frameworks designed to make its plans unintelligible to most of the public.” | ”It is based on an ideological commitment to fully privatising higher education. It is this vision for a fully-blown market that the government is now pursuing, and it is doing it through a maze of new acronyms and regulatory frameworks designed to make its plans unintelligible to most of the public.” |
| Those involved hope today’s march - which will be addressed by shadow chancellor John McDonnell - will herald the start of a new wave of student activism inspired, in part, by Jeremy Corbyn’s election as Labour leader. Hermanns said students and young people had been invigorated by Corbyn’s success and were determined to build on it. | Those involved hope today’s march - which will be addressed by shadow chancellor John McDonnell - will herald the start of a new wave of student activism inspired, in part, by Jeremy Corbyn’s election as Labour leader. Hermanns said students and young people had been invigorated by Corbyn’s success and were determined to build on it. |
| ”We must be clear that the government does not care about the relatively tiny sums saved by the conversion of maintenance grants to loans... This is an ideological attack on our education system and it needs to be taken on by a political movement with a vision of its own.” | ”We must be clear that the government does not care about the relatively tiny sums saved by the conversion of maintenance grants to loans... This is an ideological attack on our education system and it needs to be taken on by a political movement with a vision of its own.” |
| Updated | |
| at 3.16pm GMT |