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Tens of thousands rally against Con-Dem austerity onslaught

Russell Brand tells protesters, 'Power is here!'

FAMED comedian Russell Brand rallied activists to revolution yesterday as tens of thousands marched through London against austerity.

He spoke at the end of Saturday’s No More Austerity demonstration, which saw 50,000 people take to the streets of the capital.

A host of trade union leaders, activists, politicians and artists joined Mr Brand at the Parliament Square rally.

“Power isn’t there,” shouted Mr Brand as he pointed at Parliament before turning his finger to the crowd: “Power is here!”

The audience cheered even louder when Mr Brand showed his support for the Fire Brigades Union struggle putting on a t-shirt with the slogan “We save people not banks.”

Journalist Owen Jones said that the demonstration was a “pledge” and an “oath” to continue fighting against the idea that those most fragile in our society are to “ pay for a crisis they had absolutely nothing to do with.

“Who is responsible for the mess this country is in? Is it the Polish fruit-picker? Or is it the bankers who plunged this country into economic disaster?”

A sentiment followed by actress Francesca Martinez who roared: “Fuck profit!”

Ms Martinez highlighted the importance of the values and the rights won by past generations, heralding the NHS, public education and social services in the process.

Others on the platform came to share their stories of destitution and oppression.

Jasmine Stone spoke on behalf of a group of young single mothers in east London who were evicted from their refuge by local authorities because of budget cuts.

Writer and comedian Kate Smurthwait spoke against the return of sexist politics peddled by the government’s agenda.

And Morning Star editor Richard Bagley highlighted the importance of the paper as part of the anti-austerity movement.

Musician Leon Rosselson sang about the 2011 riots being the expression of the poorest against a society that only values money.

Chart-topping band The Farm performed anti-war tune All Together Now, the anthem of the protest.

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