On Saturday 13th March, in response to the brutal murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan police officer, vigils took place across the country.
Kat Gwyther, Leeds Socialist Party
In Leeds, a crowd of over 100 people gathered outside Parkinson steps at the University of Leeds, despite the Reclaim the Night organisers moving the official vigil online where a member of Leeds branch and Women’s Lives Matter campaigner, Amy Cousens, spoke (see ‘Leeds Socialists’Facebook page for video.
It was mostly young women who gathered, laying flowers and messages for Sarah on the steps. While there was a noticeable police presence, the mood of the crowd was quiet and emotional with people visibly upset and comforting each other.
Although moving, the silence at this vigil hammered home that there is nothing left to be said: we need action.