Why people will always need to protest

At the Tolpuddle Martyrs museum 2017 

Throughout history people have always had to fight for their rights, rights denied them by the ruling elite, whether those in power be emperors, Russian Tsars, French, or British monarchs, fascist dictators, or unelected EU Commissioners. 

Over time, and considerable struggle, people have achieved a great deal to overcome oppression. For example, the right not to be treated as property, as slaves were until the abolition of slavery in 1833. We also take it for granted today, but it really wasn't that long ago, that only the very wealthiest property owners were allowed to vote in general elections. Men with  urban property got the vote in 1867, while men without property over 21, had to wait until after the end of First World War in 1918 to be eligible to vote. Women without property, thanks to the Suffraget Movement, finally got the vote ten years later than men in 1928. Finally, under a Labour Government, Harold Wilson in 1969 made it possible for 18 year olds to decide who represents them in Parliament, and so the fight for democracy goes on. Today, 16 year olds, while old enough to work, get married and have children, are unable to vote.  It must be right that young people should have the chance to choose who makes the laws that they are expected to obey? Democracy, even now it seems, is work-in-progress.

As a consequence of past class struggles, men and women are now able to vote in general elections and choose, if they wish, to elect representatives that will demand a descent living wage, a proper education, universal health care and to be cared for when they get old. Progressive change would not have happened were it not for the 19th century liberal approach to politics, 20th century Socialism, or people making themselves heard by protest.

In the 21st century, it seems to me an enduring truth that there are two popular views of how people are governed: The Conservative way and the Labour way. The distinction is simple, the Conservative Party exists to look after and maintain the the interests of the owners capital, while the Labour Party's purpose is to protect the workers (the people that toil to create the country's wealth).  Both systems claim  to oppose the ill treatment and exploitation of human beings that existed in the past, and the opportunity to protest, helps ensure that people will never again be slaves. 

There is still much work to do and damaging  inequality still remains in the UK, so until the norm across society is fairness, justice and equality we should take care not to judge too harshly those that stick their neck out to try to make their lives better.

History of Slavery

History of Voting

Equal Franchise Act 1928

Labour's Manifesto 2017

UK Equality Trust

World Wealth Inequality

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