March for the Alternatives: The view from the platform

Andy Atkins

28 March 2011

It's not often, even as the head of a major campaigning organisation, I get the chance to speak to a crowd of tens of thousands. Last Saturday (26 March) I addressed the rally on alternatives to the public spending cuts, at the end of the march through London that drew at least a quarter of a million people.

From the corner of the stage, with the photographers and journalists, I listened to speakers including Ed Miliband. I mingled with him and others afterwards in the Green Room (a white tent). 

Then I was ushered to the stage myself - a chance to set out, in 3 minutes, our vision of a fairer, and green, economy. This has to be driven by renewable energy, instead of dirty fossil fuel and nuclear power, and by massive savings in energy efficiency - like home insulation and better public transport that gets cars off our congested roads and reduces our dependence on imported oil.

The crowd was huge, receptive, peaceful - and loud. I wished all the Friends of the Earth family - local groups, supporters, staff and volunteers - could have the chance to see the inspiring scene from my vantage point.

Reflecting on the tube train home, two things struck me. 

First, the range of concerns represented by the banners, placards and speeches. Government cuts are going to axe good work and necessary services across almost every area (except bankers), from vulnerable children to old people, disabled and ethnic minority groups, from the arts to environmental protection. 

Second, the age range, from young families with infants in buggies to pensioners, with students and activists, and late-baby boomers in between. 

I'm angry and fearful at the lasting impact of these cuts on vulnerable people and communities, culture and the environment. But I'm heartened at the diversity of groups who came together to express opposition to the scale and pace of the cuts. They could galvanise a whole new generation of political activists, a whole new kind of alliance. And that would be healthy for our democracy in the long run, as well as make an impact on the scale and speed of cuts.

At Friends of the Earth we talk directly to the Government about the benefits of the green economy. We've been campaigning hard for it. But our job is also to make sure the powerful coalitions that may emerge against the cuts are demanding a society built on the rock of a green economy, not the sands of oil dependence and over consumption. 

It's one hell of a challenge at a time of such disruption. But it's the only long-term solution that works for people and the environment, which we all depend on in the end. So we've got to take it on.

That's what I set my mind to as I headed back to the office on Monday morning.

Andy Atkins, Executive Director