Two statues have been captured by protesters in support of the Occupy Democracy movement in front on the Houses of Parliament in London. Basing themselves on Winston Churchill and Lloyd George, they are each holding a sign calling for and demanding democratic reform.
36 second promo for @OccupyDemocracy's 10 day festival to end corporate control of our democracy #olsx @letmelooktv https://t.co/Ge14eNtCaX
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) May 1, 2015
The messages are clear:
"Reform of party funding, so that members of parliament act in the interests of those who elect them rather than the one percent who bankroll them."
"Major democratic reform of the media — to break the stranglehold of vested interests.
"A fundamental overhaul of lobbying and the way powerful economic interests inhabit the corridors of power within government.
"The introduction of proportional representation so that everyone's vote counts.
"MPs should not have conflicts of interests from either paid employment or corporate shareholdings.
"And [the demand for] a citizen-led constitutional convention for real democracy."
Five years ago, in the 2010 general election, only 44 percent of people aged between 18 and 24 turned out to vote. Meanwhile, 76 percent of people aged over 65 did. Statistics like this suggest that young people in Britain are disengaged with politics — but it may be that they're disengaged with mainstream politics — not necessarily politically inactive.
Students under siege! Occupying their campus demanding #freeeducation for all. WATCH: https://t.co/XSlx5xGvRw @davidgraeber #OccupyLSE
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) April 30, 2015
Actively standing on one of the statues outside the Houses of Parliament is Occupy Democracy activist George Barda, who says:
"Democracy means more than putting a cross on a ballot paper every five years. History shows us that the extension of our democratic rights has not been led by politicians, but has been forced onto the agenda by the actions of mass movements such as the Chartists and the Suffragettes. We are asking people to join us and help build such a movement."
This is a movement supported by comedian, turned political commentator and anti-capitalist Russell Brand, who recently treated students at the London School of Economics to a screening of his new film "The Emperor's New Clothes", about the growing gap between the rich and poor.
Happy May Day! @OccupyDemocracy start 10 day occupation at 5pm this evening, here's @rustyrockets supporting https://t.co/bnfyDHkIAN #olsx
— Occupy London (@OccupyLondon) May 1, 2015
Russell Brand's YouTube channel, The Trews, has over a million subscribers. So, it comes as no surprise that Labour leader Ed Miliband agreed to do an interview with Brand. Miliband didn't escape unscathed — and popping a shot at the Labour leader, Prime Minister David Cameron labeled the former comedian 'a joke'.
CEO's like Cameron are what make Britain a great company. I mean country.
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) May 1, 2015
Russell Brand has 9.58 million Twitter followers. David Cameron has 3.5 million. Ed Miliband has 459,000.
But Britain will have to wait until May 7 to see who will be laughing last.
