A latecomer to political protest

On Monday 30th January, I was compelled to do something I had never done before. I went to Downing Street to protest against the Trump travel ban and the apparent appeasement of the new White House incumbent by Prime Minister Teresa May. Despite my upbringing by a Spare Rib reading, feminist mother and a liberal, tolerant and compassionate father, I had never been to a political demonstration or rally before. After all, it’s not for the lack of opportunity over the last thirty or so years – the poll tax protest, demonstrations against the Iraq war or the introduction of tuition fees – to name a few. However, this time, for three key reasons, things felt different and I felt spurred into action.