I was pleased to see your coverage of the June 30 public sector strike in defence of pensions. I must, though, correct one glaring error in your report.
In the article headed "Striking teachers disrupt schools", you say that the march from Argents Mead was to protest against the strike. It was just the opposite - the march and rally were held in support of the strikers, several of whom attended the event and spoke at the rally.
The event was co-organized by Hinckley Against Fees & Cuts (HAFAC) and the Pensioners Action Group. Both organizations oppose public sector cuts, fees and privatization. HAFAC supports action - including strikes - to stop government and local attacks on our jobs, pay and services.
Unfortunately, the local Save Our Services group did not back the strike - though some SOS supporters did. SOS is chaired by the local LibDems, and while they have a record of opposing cuts made by the Tory county council, the LibDems are firmly behind the coalition government's austerity and privatization programme - including Lansley's bill to privatize the NHS.
On that score, the Tory-LibDem coalition has shown it is not open to persuasion. The only way to stop them is active resistance. HAFAC is convinced the coalition can be stopped, provided enough people join in action against them.
Published 14 July 2011, issue 6393, p10
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