it is without question that the imposition of savage spending cuts are the responsibility of the Tory-led government.

The trickling down of such cuts will inevitably be met with resistance from the local trade unions and community organisations, whichever party is in power locally.

So it is a surprise that someone with the experience of Councillor Phil Kelly has declared the incidents in the council chamber are somehow new and “disturbing”.

The expressions of anger were not manipulated by a “rent a mob”, but were heartfelt concerns that many residents and trade mebers have about the devastation these cuts will cause. – Jane Doolan, branch secretary, Islington Unison, Central Library, Fieldway Crescent, N5.