08/09/2020
The left wing weekly paper the Socialist Worker says that sweeping new powers given to the authorities to close down illegal raves and parties have nothing to do with stopping the spread of coronavirus and everything to do with compelling obedience to the “back to work” mantra of central government.
Fines of up to £10,000 have been issued to people organising raves in England and Wales, the paper says – and although the Home Secretary has accused organisers of a “blatant disregard” for public safety, the paper observes that such draconian measures could be used against popular protest movements such as Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter, as well as LGBTQ demonstrations. The new rules came into force on Friday, ahead of the bank holiday weekend, and have been implemented quickly. Two organisers of a rave in South Wales, which had an estimated 3,000 people at it, were issued fixed penalty notices for £10,000.
However, the Socialist Worker article accuses the Conservative government of double standards. It says They are pushing for workers to return to work and the full reopening of schools this week, despite problems with safety. The powers police have been given to shut down events is worrying. They have been quick to shut down events involving black people. More fines were expected to be issued on bank holiday Monday and at Extinction Rebellion protests planned for the coming weeks”. The paper says that the government has mishandled coronavirus and that their urge to get people back to offices reflects their true concerns.
