Well, we did it. 100 years after the Suffragettes bravely confronted a government that was failing them, we have done the same! Last night was as brilliant as we dreamed it could be. Chanting "Deeds Not Words" almost 1000 people marched up to the gates of parliament and demanded to be let in. Of course we weren't allowed, but we made our presence felt.

The crowds started to gather in Parliament Square from 5pm - with most people, women and men, young and old - having made an admirable effort to dress for the occasion.

young

and old...

Once everyone had donned a red sash we certainly looked a colourful and formidable presence. Tamsin arrived even earlier than expected, having left her MA exam an hour early. I don't know how she could possibly have concentrated anyway!

Tamsin with her mum. Tamsin's mum wears spotty pink socks. She rocks

I came into Westminster on my bike via the Soho Salon, who had kindly been volunteered (by me, cheekily, on our Friday night flyering mission) to construct an Edwardian type updo.

the up-do!

and another sort of up-do! not sure if it's strictly Suffragette but I'm likin it alot

matching red lippy, oh yea

what a couple!!! really too odd for words...

organising the stewards

Jody rocks the Suffragette meets 40s war widow look

Leo Murray from Plane Stupid

Olivia Chessell from Plane Stupid

We started off the proceedings with some music from Mark and Theo Bard (accompanied by a random and somewhat out-of-time bongo player) and then I climbed atop our rickety stage to introduce the four speakers, all of whom gave hugely inspiring speeches.

Mark

Theo. He's not posing, honest.

Just briefly, feminist Rosie Boycott spoke of the importance of women standing up for what they believe in. She was followed by the pink-lipped, pink-suited Joy Greasley of the WI (apparently the Women's Institute has undergone a bit of re-branding where its name is concerned!) I think that it is a real sign of the times that the WI are willing to lend a voice to direct action. And am I sure they approved of all our beautiful cakes.

Rosie Boycott

Joy Greasley

these beautiful creations really put ours to shame!

Solicitor Ismet Rawat spoke of her concerns about our future for the sake of her children and then lastly the wonderful Caroline Lucas took to the podium.

Ismet Rawat

Caroline Lucas

Caroline is now leader of the green party, and she spoke of how our government is failing us. How our government is willing to spend a fortune bailing out the banks (who in their folly have been lending money that does not exist) and yet it can't see fit to invest in renewables. A government that pays lip service to Climate Action whilst still planning airport expansion and new coal power stations.

As Caroline finished her speech the crowd began to filter out past the crowd barriers towards the entrance to the Houses of Parliament.

the crowd heads towards Parliament

And we kept right on walking until we were practically at the doors, at which point the police started to play their usual aggressive games.

I was standing right next to Caroline Lucas as they pushed and shoved to the extent that the crash barriers fell, crushing one of my fellow Suffragette's foot. It is now broken in three places and she must take time off work while she recovers. As usual we were there to peacefully protest and the only violence was perpetrated by the police. Caroline was utterly shocked by their brutality. I could see that Tamsin was pinned up against the doors of Parliament and then she vanished from sight - arrested for breaking bail by standing on the steps.

a girl tries to reason with police

Caroline, just before she got jostled by the police

flying the flag for Climate Camp

My interns had carefully boxed up and brought along all the wonderful cakes we made at the weekend, and I hear that they were enjoyed by those who were lucky enough to eat them. Unfortunately I never saw them again!

remnants of tea and cake!

the police get overexcited

and Robbie gets a big old cut under his eye

For an hour we chanted and sung, and demanded that our government listen to us. And the media certainly have - even though they have struggled to pinpoint just who or what Climate Rush is. What they fail to understand is that we are no one thing - Plane Stupid, Climate Camp, Stop Stanstead Expansion, Wise Women, WI members and many other campaign groups took part in this event - for we are all united in our desire to be tackle Climate Change. And we know that direct action is necessary in times of crisis - for as the Suffragettes proved it can influence crucial decisions.

this police officer looks absolutely petrified. I have no idea why, maybe he's scared of his fellow officers. I feel sorry for him, perhaps he should be on our side - after all, we don't condone or practice aggression.

maybe he should hang with this happy fella! although I think that might be a fist raised there.

the FIT team filming us...

cos that's how scary we are!

Many more people will have become radicalised by this event, which is brilliant because we can make a difference before it is too late: before we descend into Climate Chaos.

The protest ended peacefully with a rousing song and a great little speech from Leila. Then we all went to the pub.

what a beautiful sight!