What’s happening?

What’s it all about?

London 31 st March 1990 – BBC news report “Violence flares in poll tax demonstration an anti-poll tax rally in central London worst riots seen in the city for a century. 113 people injured including 45 police as well as 20 police horses. 340 people have been arrested in the heart of London's West End,

London 31 st March 1990 – BBC news report cars have been overturned and set alight. four tube stations have been shut for safety reasons as police try to clear the streets, with much of central London now cordoned off. demonstrators have attacked police with bricks and cans. fire fighters attempting to extinguish the blazes have been hit with wood and stones. restaurants have been forced to close early shop windows smashed and many businesses with their contents looted. a cloud of black smoke over Trafalgar Square.”

The Community Charge (‘Poll Tax’) A new tax for local services Everyone paid the same however rich or poor they were It was hardest for poorer big families

Protests all over the country Anti Poll Tax Unions (APTUs) Thousands refused to pay Protests everywhere Strict punishments – fines and even prison

31 st March 1990 – Trafalgar Square 200,000 people demonstrated The march was blocked by police in Whitehall Some marchers sat down outside Downing Street Fighting started

Early evening Mounted police and riot vans attacked the crowd Some protesters climbed scaffolding and threw things down on police Stations and pubs closed

Evening Protesters, angry shoppers and drinkers together in the streets Police attacked some people People started rioting, overturning cars, burning and looting buildings £400,000 damage and over 400 arrests

Results Many arrested and charged Trafalgar Square Defendants Campaign successfully supported many Police report led to changes in policing Later in the year Margaret Thatcher was forced to stop being Prime Minister The new leader – John Major – got rid of the tax.

= Judge for yourself!