Thousands of British police join anti-austerity protest

[kpete]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Thousands of off-duty police officers took to the streets in London on Thursday in a rare display of anger against government austerity, joining a protest by public sector workers including immigration officials, healthcare workers and prison officers.

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The government said only about 150,000 had taken part and dismissed the action as "futile". Cabinet Office minister Frances Maude said, "public services were mainly unaffected".

However, the sight of some 30,000 police officers marching through London will be embarrassing for Cameron's centre-right Conservatives, who pride themselves on being the party of law and order.

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"I feel like the government has misled the public. It's nothing to do with making a leaner, more efficient police service," said Anthony Coultate, 32, a sergeant from Leeds in northern England.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/10/us-britain-strike-idUSBRE8490V120120510

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PHOTOS:



http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/05/10/482085/photos-police-protest-british-austerity/

[MoreGOPoop]

1. K & R

Very interesting.

[freshwest]

2. Encouraging. Thanks, kpete. Maybe it'll help everyone affected. IDK.

[kpete]

4. if only..

the police SHOULD be on OUR side!

peace, kpete

[ForgoTheConsequence]

3. Good to see.

Sucks that it has to hit them personally for them to get involved however. A few months ago their co-workers were beating OWS protesters for fighting the same fight.