Liverpool TV licence demo - report and pictures

PCS Merseyside ARMs members supported a well-attended march through Liverpool to a rally outside BBC Radio Merseyside on Friday 21 June. The protest was against the BBC's decision to charge for TV licences for the over 75s who currently pay nothing. The march went down Bold Street, Church Street, Whitechapel and Manestys Lane to the Radio Merseyside office - with numerous bits of musical accompaniment thrown in! The BBC closed down their reception while the protest was on.

Many speakers addressed the rally from Unite, Unison and PCS ARMs Merseyside in the person of Steve Ion, plus Labour MP Bill Esterson. All spoke of the need to oppose these attacks now as they will clearly try and go for bus passes and winter fuel allowance next. They also spoke of the divide and rule tactics of playing off the young against the old and of the need for maximum unity across generations. This message was reinforced by a youth speaker who gave full support to the campaign.

The Merseyside Pensioners Association who organised the event closed the rally by stating that this was only the start of the campaign. The National Pensioners Convention had called for these protests and similar events were held across the country.

The ARMS NW banner on the move

The MPA banner

A musical protest - Mike Hinstridge of ARMS Mersey is on the right

Leading the chants, plus a Unite flag

Bill Esterson MP with the banner of the Liverpool Labour Councillors

                Keith Hebron                                Steve Ion (L) and Ray Beeton (R)

(L-R) Jim Stanway, Ray Beeton and Keith Hebron

(L-R) Jim Stanway, Steve Ion and Ray Beeton

Outside BBC Radio Merseyside

Bill Esterson MP addresses the rally

An unambiguous message

Marchers listening to the speeches