Traffic on Westminster bridge in London was brought to a standstill on Saturday as hundreds of protesters occupied the road to paint a huge message decrying the government\u2019s austerity agenda.<\/p>\n
As dozens of police watched, protesters first painted, then hung a 20-metre banner over the side of the bridge facing parliament. \u201c12 billion more cuts. 120 billion tax dodged,\u201d it said. \u201cAusterity is a lie.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was the first demonstration by UK Uncut, the grassroots direct action group, since the 7 May election. With the Conservative government planning deep cuts to public services, activists vowed that it was a taste of things to come.<\/p>\n
A UK Uncut member, Beth Cunningham, 26, said: \u201cWith the new government being sworn in on Wednesday we just wanted to send a clear message that we are going to be fighting the cuts.<\/p>\n
\u201cDirect action is what works. It sends a loud and clear message that people aren\u2019t happy. And it\u2019s part of acknowledging that our current political resources aren\u2019t enough. People don\u2019t have enough resources in the current political system to make their voices heard and that\u2019s why we resort to direct action.\u201d<\/p>\n