Although our lives and struggles are different for each of us when we work together we can build strength and solidarity! Divisions have emerged, and have been exploited over the last few years: between generations, “strivers” and “skivers”, those were born in the UK against those who have migrated here for many reasons, and those who voted Leave or Remain.
Years of austerity have meant more people competing for resources, while the government and media continue to find ways to blame marginalised people for problems in our society. As these divisions grow and become cemented we are less likely to work together, even though we have ‘more in common’ than many of us think. This division will make it harder to defend what’s left.
This gathering called on people in the city to re-connect and build a collective response to the injustices around us. Through a day of free workshops, conversations and connecting with others we came together and built a better understanding of key issues of 2017 including : the impact of cuts and austerity, racism in Leeds, rubbish jobs, the gig economy, and refugee rights.