What about a Mum and toddler play-in against the cuts at the House of Commons

[Moozoid]

Every day I am getting more fed with government cuts. I am definately going on the London demonstration on Sat 26 March.

But what about occupying the House of Commons lobby area - Mums and toddlers - maybe having a teddy bears picnic (and some entertainers for the kids, maybe lifesize teddies) to protest against the cuts affecting children and families such as to Surestart, Child Benefit, Maternity wards, services for disabled children, libraries etc. In other words, as per UNcut campaigns, we set up a play (and picnic) area in the House.

Maybe in June, before the MPs have their lovely hols, on a Weds to coincide with Prime Min questions when they have a full house.

Also could do a new version of 'If you go down to the woods (House?) today, you're be in for a big surprise......

My toddler would come and have a lovely time running amok at Westminster.

Anyone else up for it

you'd rather your toddler paid off an even bigger deficit?

No
FFS grow up.

I think it's a great idea. But I don't think i could put my kids in such danger.

(Why do people persist in thinking that the cuts are all about cutting the deficit rather than largely ideological tory strategy?)

To Vesela, my toddler will be paying the price of the bankers crisis now, next year, and for years to come as public services are cut. Like most parents, when we had our one, we became big users of public services.

On the economy, we will not set this country right by cutting and creating unemployment. We need growth and the public sector plays a part in that. In the 1980s, faced with another international economic crisis, the Tories made it worse and last longer by cutting so much. That is why people voted for Labour in 1997 and following elections to pump money into the NHS and Education to repair the more than a decade of damage. The Tories are ideologically intent on dismantling the public services. I need public services. And I certainly don't want more to pay taxes that end up with private sector companies making a profit out of providing them. I want better public services not worse.

We are at an important time - challenge the direction of government now (for which they have no mandate from the election) or live with the consequences for years.

Take your toddler to Labour HQ and protest there.

There is one man squarely to blame - the reason the UK suffered so much through the credit crisis, while other countries like Canada and Australia did quite well.

That man's name is Gordon Brown. His chief lieutenants were Ed Miliband and Ed Balls.

All the parties fought the election in the knowledge that cuts were imminent. Alistair Darling promised cuts (I paraphrase) 'worse than under Thatcher' before he was quietly removed from the hustings . I'm sorry but I won't be joining your protest. I prefer to make my feelings known at the ballot box...

moozoid

Its always going to be controversial with young children

Partly because nasty people may take over your demo.

It will be interesting to see how various cuts demos progress.

No point in having the "freedom" to do something; if no one ever does it.

You would get arrested if you tried to break into the House of Commons

Moozoid - you are right in your assesment and concerns, and I agree. I think its a nice protest idea, Im not sure how things work in the house of commons as we are not near london but send you best wishes and good luck x

LFN - actually our government is largely tory, and the prime minister is david cameroon. (you must have had a nasty bump on the head!).

It's a nice idea for a protest, but from what I recall, I don't think it's terribly practical to get in without an appointment to meet your PM.

What a foolish idea.

I'll bet you even resent those stupid letters telling you to make even the minimum payment on your maxed-out credit card, doncha?!

werdator - you don't have to break in, you just go.

And I'm sure several MPs would give us appointments...

But the practicalities are a bit daunting. (Besides, if you really want to plan something like this, you don't do it on MN.)

majordanjarvis wtf? (Some of us don't use credit cards.)

Well said, Moozoid (btw).

Moozoid a relative of mine works at the H.O.C. and as I understand it, you'd need to get a pass - you have to contact your MP. There's lots of security at the House of Commons now.

Howz about organising a local group and doing a similar thing at or outside your local MP's surgery? Placards and banners and things - call the local press, and you've got a story.