Protesters in St Thomas's Square, Newport. Picture by Jennifer Burton
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PROTESTERS gathered in Newport town centre on Saturday to Occupy the Isle of Wight.
Held in solidarity with the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy London campaigns, protesters said they wanted to raise awareness about economic inequality, branding the current global financial system unsustainable, undemocratic and unjust.
Around 30 protesters gathered in St Thomas' Square at midday, carrying placards that read: "We are the 99 per cent," "Re-capitalise people, not banks" and "Where's My Bail Out?"
Protester Julia Hill, 29, of Kingslea Park, East Cowes, said it was not an anti-capitalist or politically affiliated rally.
"Today is a peaceful protest to raise awareness about the root causes of the cuts. I'm not anti-capitalist, but I am against the way the system has become unfair. There needs to be more regulation," she said.
"It's disgusting the bankers are still taking away billions in bonuses when people are losing their jobs, homes, social care and community services, like libraries. Politicians need to start standing up for the rights of the people, not for the banks."
MP Andrew Turner spoke to protesters, and speakers at the rally included Labour councillor Geoff Lumley, Unison branch secretary Mark Chiverton and Isle of Wight Stop the Cuts Alliance co-chair Tanja Rebel, who said: "The message is the distribution of wealth is unfair and it's getting worse. The financial system is in collapse. We need to take responsibility and build a better society, and now is our chance."
Video by Joe Briscoe