I predict a riot - in aisle 18
In the second half of 2010, mere months after the ConDem coalition took power, there have already been sizeable protests up and down the country.
It has been largely students that have shown the way forward although there have also been protests and direct action from newly formed group, UK Uncut protesting about tax avoidance and indeed taking the fight to the very companies that are guilty of this.
It is clear to anyone who is even half watching that the simmering anger about the cuts and policies of this government will explode onto the streets in 2011. There has already been talk of blood on the streets, although, I do hope the protests remain peaceful.
There is another place where there is a potential for fighting that journalists and bloggers alike have so far overlooked. An unlikely place, perhaps, but potential is there nonetheless. That place is Tesco.
Or Asda, or Morrissons or whatever supermarket you shop at.
At the moment, people are watching their money. Sales in places such as the 99p shop and Poundland are booming. Even people who are no worse off than they were are penny pinching as they are cautious about what the near future may bring. This is before we start to see the impact of the cuts, the hike in VAT and before many that will lose their jobs have done so.
Back to Tesco and it would appear whatever time you go there the 'reduced to clear' section is 3 deep in people. Again, this is before the shit hits the fan. As people cut back further and indeed as people become more desparate, this will only magnify. The logical upshot of this is shoppers literally fighting over the last microwave chicken balti that is reduced tp 99p.
The coming year will be tough for many people and also an explosive one. I predict a riot - in aisle 18.
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