Young demonstrators battle police as Commons pass fee increases

Thousands of university, college and school students marched through London on Thursday 9 December as the university fee increases were voted through the House of Commons. Delegations from many universities joined art students and sixth formers from every corner of London in a vibrant and passionate day of action.

The National Union of Students had arranged a rally on the embankment, but most of the young people and the scattering of trade unionists chose to stay in Parliament Square and Whitehall. Demonstrators tried to break through police cordons in various directions, and also faced charges by mounted police, whose appearance was greeted with groans and jeers and shouts of "go home!".

The National Shop Stewards Network's banners were on the march alongside PCS, UCU and Unite banners. Probably the strongest trade union presence on the march came from the RMT transport union.

As the cuts and privatisation measures work their way through into every pore of society, the trade union movement must be inspired by the courage and energy shown by our young people.