Article by RE, a member of the Socialist Party, president of Exeter University Socialist Students and leading campaigner against the privatisation of the family centre at the University.Exeter Socialist Students was this Saturday Anne Widdecombe's worst headache, as a contingent armed with placards descended upon Exeter Corn Exchange, where the Tory reactionary was planned to speak.
Widdecombe, a staunch advocate of 'pro-life', was to perform one of her anecdotal stand ups for Exeter's Tory community. As her audience arrived, many who were unaware of Widdecombe's anti-choice position admitted they were now hesitant about crossing our picket. Having not paid the £14 per head entry fee the contingent instead interrupted Widdecombe's opening piece with chants demanding free choice, the nationalisation of family care and for secular politics. The contingent then took to the street, receiving support from passing motorists and punters as it marched. At 10pm, we returned to the picket where we prepared for the audience's departure. As the front doors opened the chants recommenced. Our point sufficiently made, we turned our sights on the performer herself, who's chauffeured Mercedes was parked at the back doors. Keeping our distance from security guards, the contingent organised at the car park exit. As Widdecombe emerged we struck up our chant. Clearly shaken by our presence, her driver made for a swift getaway, avoiding our lines by breaking a one way system. In response, the contingent chased the fleeing reactionary on foot, leaving her with the distinct impression that her reactionary trash is unwelcome in our city.
Socialist Students believes that it is a woman's right to choose when or whether to have children, not that of the church or individual doctors. 76 per cent of the UK population are pro-choice, yet a quarter of women having abortions in England and Wales have to pay for them, as there are no public funds available specifically to help poorer women in these circumstances. The fight for abortion rights is the same fight for woman's emancipation, hence the same fight for free child care, for free contraception and contraceptive education, for quality council housing programmes and a democratically controlled National Health Service. When students and workers organise, these basic rights and measures can be fought for and can be won. A socialist world is possible.
Below are some photos of the picket:
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