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A lesson for those in power today from Martyrs protest
• I AM very much looking forward to the commemorative event for the 1834 demonstration for the Tolpuddle Martyrs. As your paper has reminded us, the martyrs were released by the government rather than deported following a demonstration and march to parliament by 100,000 protesters.
How different things would be if that march were to happen today. First, the organisers would have to apply for “permission” to march, and hope that it would be granted. Second, the police would “contain” the demonstration, keeping protesters in a confined space, and refusing any of them permission to leave until a time of the police’s choosing.
At that point they would have to provide their identities, and have details held on a register. Admittedly, violence against protesters may have been as likely then as now.
Another famous demonstration from Islington’s past was a public rally on Colbath fields (now Mount Pleasant sorting office) in 1833. The 3,000 trade unionists were set upon indiscriminately by police, and, according to the local paper of the time, “used their staves pretty freely”. The ensuing fracas ended with the fatal stabbing of a PC Culley. The subsequent inquest returned a verdict of “justifiable homicide”.
Finally, the major difference is that the government of 1834 listened to and responded to the will of the people demonstrating against transportation. This government, by contrast, as the million-strong march against the war in Iraq proved, would remain indifferent, perhaps drawing up a dodgy dossier of “evidence” against the farm boys to justify their decision.
They would also exult in being “tough on crime”. I hope that those like me celebrating the success of 175 years ago will also reflect on how much freedom we have lost in the last 10 years.
CLLR GREG FOXSMITH
Lib Dem, Hillrise ward
• I AM writing to encourage readers to participate in a week of festivities from April 18-25 to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Grand Demonstration by 100,000 trade unionists in Copenhagen Fields, Islington, on April 21,1834 (On march for Martyrs, April 10).
In 1834, people were marching to demand the release of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, six Dorset farm workers who had been sentenced to seven years transportation into slavery in Australia for forming a trade union. The struggle for proper trade union rights continues today, and Islington Trades Union Council wants to work with people in our community to ensure they are treated fairly and with respect at work.
We would like to thank Stephen Ross, of Southern Housing Group, for working with us and Ed Hall on a commemorative plaque of the 1834 demonstration, which will be unveiled by Frances O’Grady, TUC deputy general secretary, at 12.30pm on Saturday, April 25, at the Clocktower in Caledonian Park, Market Road. Those gathered will then march with the ITUC banner to the festivities in Edward Square, Copenhagen Street.
These 175th anniversary celebrations are the result of a lot of effort by people working together. Please join in these community festivities and enjoy yourself into the bargain.
GARY HEATHER
President, Islington Trades Union Council
Mick Gilgunn
Secretary
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