Anger at Starmer’s cuts has been proving a powerful motivator in rejuvenating the anti-austerity movement in Manchester, reports Steph Pike 

On Monday night, there was a packed organising meeting called by Manchester People’s Assembly to rebuild a united anti-austerity movement in Greater Manchester. Thirty-five people attended representing different campaigns, organisations and unions including striking Unison mental-health workers, Unite, CND, GMSTWC, Unison NW, Manchester Trades Council, YCL, Students Socialist Party, Queer Workers’ Association, Fuel Poverty Action, TU Blues, GM Morning Star, We Demand Change and individuals involved in local campaign and democracy groups. Three Manchester City Labour councillors also attended. DPAC couldn’t attend but sent a statement of support. 

The mood of the meeting was angry but determined and committed to uniting to campaign against Starmer’s cuts. The meeting decided to hold a public rally, to build for the national demo on 7 June and to hold local actions including regular stalls all across greater Manchester and putting pressure on Greater Manchester MPs to oppose the cuts. It was also agreed to hold another organising meeting in two-weeks’ time. 

No time was lost in getting active and on Tuesday, Manchester People’s Assembly attended a protest organised by Manchester DPAC against the cuts to disability benefits. The protest was large and lively and attracted lots of interest and support from members of the public enjoying the sunshine in their lunch hour. Starmer’s cuts are very, very unpopular and the leaflets for the national demo flew out like hot cakes. The fightback has begun!