Speakers' corner

Speakers' Corner

A Global symbol of democracy, Speakers' corner in London's Hyde Park is about to reopen to the public after being refurbished.

It is a place where anyone can get up and have their say on whatever subject they choose; whether you’re an anarchist, politician, comedian, or religious zealot the right to get up and have your say in Hyde Park was enshrined in the 1872 Park Regulation act.

In the late 19th century, a combination of park by-laws, use of the Highways Acts and use of venue licensing powers of the London County Council made it one of the few places where socialist speakers could meet and debate, making it one of the birth places of social democracy.

Over the years a great many notable speakers have used Speakers' Corner as a platform for their ideals, such as Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, William Morris, George Orwell and of course the much admired Tony Benn. It has been the site of numerous acts os protest, including the 1855 riots when 150,000 people assembled to protest the Sunday Trading BIll prohibiting buying and selling on a Sunday - the only day the working class had off.

So next time you’re in London on a Sunday afternoon pop down to Hyde Park and have a listen, engage in a bit of banter, but get involved in voicing your opinion; don’t rely on the politicians in Westminster, Brussels or the press to speak for you.

Get out and have your say!- and make sure you're properly dressed for the occasion with Comrade Apparel