NI students in London fees protests

Published Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

Students from Northern Ireland have been taking part in the massive protests in central London over tuition fees, which descended into violence at the Tories' headquarters.

Video available to UK viewers only.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.
  • This video has been Geoblocked to UK viewers ONLY!
    Fighting fees
  • This video has been Geoblocked to UK viewers ONLY!
    Analysis

To find out if this video is available to you, we need to know what region you live in. Please enter your postcode below (including space).

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for confirming your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are sorry but this video is not available on u.tv in your region. Your region is listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you in Northern Ireland?

1. Why is my postcode required?

We are asking you to insert your postcode before watching some videos to confirm you can access the video content via u.tv.

This is because some videos on u.tv are only available in Northern Ireland.

Don't worry, we won't store or use this information for any other purpose.

If you are not in Northern Ireland, the content may be available to watch at itv.com or stv.tv.

2. Why am I directed to itv.com or stv.tv when I try to view certain clips?

The videos, which are not available on u.tv to users outside Northern Ireland, will be available to those users on itv.com (for users in England and Wales) or stv.tv (for most users in Scotland).

We need to know where you are in order to make sure you are getting the right content.

If you think we've got your location wrong, then please click here.

Need more help? Contact us

A number of police officers were among the injured when demonstrations by up to 50,000 students, lecturers and supporters descended into chaos at Millbank Tower, next to the River Thames.

The march, organised by the National Union of Students and the University and College Union, started off peacefully - moving from Whitehall, past Downing Street and Parliament.

But a group of protestors later smashed their way into the headquarters of the Conservative Party, shattering windows and burning placards.

One student from Belfast, who is a first year at Kingston University, told UTV there was a lot of support for the protestors as proposed cuts would close the door to third-level education on many prospective students.

But amid loud chants of "No ifs, no buts - no education cuts", he added of the violence: "You can never condone it really - I'm against the violence. Peaceful protest, that's what it's about."

We’re doing this to peacefully but strongly let politicians and others hear our voices – that we do not want increases in student fees.

Fiona Kidd, Queen’s University student

Fiona Kidd, from Queen's University, Belfast, also took part in the protests - but condemned the disturbances.

"That is not why Queen's University travelled over 400 miles to get here, it's not why NUS managed to demonstrate the largest student movement in over two decades," she said.

NUS president Aaron Porter said a small minority of protesters had "hijacked" the march and described the violence as "despicable".

His Northern Irish counterpart - NUS-USI President Ciarnan Helferty - has also condemned the violent actions of "rogue protestors".

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt added that the actions of a minority should not distract from the message.

"The overwhelming majority of staff and students on the march came here to send a clear and peaceful message to the politicians," she said.

"The actions of a minority, out of 50,000 people, is regrettable."

The protesters in the Tory HQ building and on the roof released a statement which said: "We oppose all cuts and we stand in solidarity with public sector workers, and all poor, disabled, elderly and working people.

"We are occupying the roof in opposition to the marketisation of education pushed through by the coalition government, and the system they are pushing through of helping the rich and attacking the poor.

"We call for direct action to oppose these cuts. This is only the beginning of the resistance to the destruction of our education system and public services."

© UTV News
Comments Comments
10 Comments
lorna in limavady wrote (924 days ago):
What a disgrace ! Millions of pounds worth of damage and to think these people are clever enough to be students that university. Our doctors teachers of tomorrow Did they not use their brains to work out how this behaviour will help the Government change its mind. Its clear to me noone is willing to have these cuts.
Frosty in Here wrote (924 days ago):
When I think of the Conservatives, I think of what they are trying to conserve, which is basically an aristocratic state wherein the rich get educated while the poor are kept around to do the menial tasks. We should be making it easier for people to get ahead in life, not trying to drag society down into an elitist one that serves only a few at the expense of the rest. If we're all in this together, then surely we should all be given the same chances?
Ally in Aber Uni wrote (925 days ago):
John - Stop being so simple minded, some of us spent 7 hours travelling to get to that demonstration - setting off at 5.30 in the morning! How much were your uni fees? I doubt they were £20 000, as this governement is proposing. The only reasoin why the LimDems are in the coalition is because they got students to vote for them - they wanted our vote - they've betrayed us!
John Kessnit in Coleraine wrote (925 days ago):
The violence in London was totally unacceptable yet we have "apologists" on here trying to some how justify it. Students are NOT entitled to anymore than any other citizen in the UK - it is time they realised this and that society owes them nothing! I hope those involved in the violence are caught, brought before the courts and jailed and as for their degree courses well all grants given them should be removed and sued to help pay for the damage caused and injured police officers. Want a degree - get a job, pay the fees! I did!
ROBERT in NEWTOWNABBEY wrote (925 days ago):
WELL BRIAN BY SUPPORTING THOSE LITTLE CLOWNS I HOPE YOUR HAPPY WITH YOURSELFS TODAY I LOVE THE WAY THESE GROUP SAID IT STOOD AGAINIST CUTS TO ALL SECTIONS OF THE WORKFORCE BY WRECKING THE PLACE ALL THEY DID WAS TAKE MONEY OUTTA THE PUBLIC PURSE AND TAKE POLICE OFFICERS AWAY FROM THERE NORMAL DUTIES SO THEY PROB HELPED CRIMINALS YESTERDAY SO WELL DONE U SILLY PEOPLE
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES
On the rocks
Wed 01 May 2013
4x4 in Ballycastle harbour
Thu 02 May 2013