Diary of a Cambridge protestor

Follow Wednesday’s protest hour-by-hour, as it unfolded in central London from the eyes of a Cambridge student

by Anonymous Protestor

This article is 15 years old

Thursday November 11 2010, 10:35pm

8.15: Arrive at coaches for an 8:30 departure.

11.30: We go to the gathering at Horse Guards. The turnout is so much larger than expected that the front is moved forward twice.

12.00: The march has started, but at the back we’re shuffling very slowly

12.30: The megaphone is excellent for starting chants. After about fifteen minutes many people tip over the barriers confining us, and we run ahead.

13.00: A branch of the march, freed from the barriers, throngs outside the Treasury. By now I’m next to Westminster Abbey.

13.20: The siege on Millbank (Conservative HQ) begins. People start the run on the doors. We dash in. Other people are launching smoke bombs and creating graffiti.

15.50: Millbank has exploded. There’s at least two fires and a drum corps. We cheer to the people on the roof. Windows halfway up the building have been smashed.

16.20: The riot police in front of the building push back into us. At least two helicopters are circling overhead.

17.00: Stalemate for some time. People are flagging as the dark and cold descend. Event stewards come along at about quarter past to let us know that LSE is starting a gathering.

20.15: Home in Cambridge.

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