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@coventry_eagle
My disdain: The notion that a democratic politcal system allows for the opinion of the majority to incluence the decision of the government either through votes or protests. Remember the anti-war protest? It was a rally even larger than the one in question but did it sway the government's stand on the invasion? There was no WMD, there was no mandate from the UN and the invasion still went through.
Yes, it is important to be heard and protest in the past had indeed brought results but as I already said, there is no way that in the immediate future any significant changes would happen. It is nice to see Miliband addressing the crowd but he was elected through the backing of TUC votes hence has an obligation to be present and offer his support. Did he do it with the best interest of the unions or general public at heart, or is this just to garner brownie points now that he is in opposition? Only time will tell, I reserve my judgement on this.
Am I affected by this? Yes, my mother is on state pension, something which seems pretty certain back in her days but with the pending review on it might not bode so well for her, current and future pensioners.