A demonstration by Lichfield residents was understandable given worries about inflation and energy prices, an MP has said.
People gathered at Speakers’ Corner this morning (1st October) as part of the national Enough is Enough day of protest.
Placards called for political change and a reversal of some plans by the new Prime Minister and Chancellor.
Conservative MP Michael Fabricant – who was also the target of some of the signs carried by protesters – said he could recognise why people wanted to have their voices heard, but highlighted that a majority of local voters had not attended.
“The demo in Lichfield was understandable – people are very worried about inflation including the cost of fuel.
“The 60 or so people who turned up behaved in a dignified way, and the beauty of our country is that they are free to make their views known and cast their vote at the next general election – along with the even more silent majority who were not there.
“Lichfield has 76,000 electors.”
Michael Fabricant
Many of those at the protest had criticised the actions of Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.
But Mr Fabricant said:
“Most people realise that the worldwide price of fuel and food is rocketing so I was pleased to support the mini budget announced by Kwasi Kwarteng last week which was, according to the Financial Times, the most generous of any nation putting in place subsidies to keep gas and electric costs down.
“That is why the Labour party did not oppose the mini budget and it passed without any vote, despite Keir Starmer criticising it.
“I know that some at the demo have expressed surprise that the Government decided not to put the top rate of tax up to 45p. However, it only raises £2billion and the majority of economists believe that by not putting it up, more income revenue will be gained by investment in the UK and lower tax avoidance. We shall see.
“Personally, I’m not into taxing people just to make a political gesture unless it raises substantial revenues. I think the silent majority believe that too.
“It was good to see that political activism is alive and well in Lichfield!”
Michael Fabricant
