On 3 April 2020 the YCL was asked for comment on the appearance of graffiti in Edinburgh.
‘Make the rich pay’: Story behind strange graffiti appearing in Edinburgh amid coronavirus outbreak, by Claire Galloway
Politically-charged graffiti has emerged in Edinburgh, some of which features threatening messages to politicians and public figures.
The YCL, who “fight for social, economic and political rights of young workers and students to build the struggle for socialism in Britain”, could not confirm whether it was a member that carried out the graffiti but said it reflects feelings of anger over the UK Government’s response to the outbreak.
A spokesperson said: “Political graffiti is a globally recognised democratic tradition and an important part of youth culture in Britain.
“Although we cannot comment on its origin, the graffiti which has appeared in Edinburgh and other cities across Britain clearly reflects the widely felt anger at the criminal response of this Tory government to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Rather than prioritising the protection of working people at an early stage, they delayed preventative measures to protect profits for big corporations, above all the financial sector in the City of London.
“This is the same party which has spent the last decade gutting public services such as the NHS, education and social care, leaving them dangerously under prepared for this crisis and millions of people vulnerable.
“Boris Johnson and the Government’s regard for human life was clearly demonstrated by their willingness to allow tens of thousands to die to achieve a ‘herd immunity’.”
The YCL added that they are mobilising to support people in this time of crisis, calling for a a government-enforced freeze on debt payments and rent and more support for vulnerable young people during the pandemic – among dozens of other measures.
Read the full article here:
https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/make-rich-pay-story-behind-18037860
