POWER TO THE PEOPLE

PROGRAMME 5: U TO Z

Unions

This segment explains the democratic nature of unions and how they help the workforce. Union representative Sally Hunt explains why university lecturers chose not to set or mark exams in a recent strike for higher pay. A vox pop presents students' views of the strike.

Vivisection

This segment follows animal rights campaigners as they protest outside Huntingdon Life Sciences and one of its suppliers. The campaigners explain their reasons for protesting, the methods they use and how long they are prepared to continue. A statement from Huntingdon Life Sciences challenges the protestors' case.

Women's Movement

This is illustrated by footage of the Suffragettes and the 1970s' Women's Liberation Movement. Journalist Katherine Viner presents statistics that give a flavour of gender inequalities today. A vox pop confirms that people are aware of such inequalities. Finn Mackay, a contemporary feminist, suggests that there is a need to raise the profile of the feminist movement in modern society.

X=vote

This segment explores the reasons for the growing unpopularity of voting as a protest method. Turnout has dropped by 25% in the last 50 years and less than two out of five young people voted in the last general election. Points covered include:

• why politicians cannot ignore the ballot box as they can other forms of protest
• public interest in single-issue rather than party politics
• public perceptions of politicians, political parties and the electoral system.

Youth

This segment explores why young people are at the forefront of protest. Drs Robert Beckford and Linda Papadopolous offer their views on the topic. 'Hands Up' campaigner Kierra Box describes her work and explains why she set up a website to encourage and help young people to make their voices heard.

Zzz... apathy

The key messages in this segment are that there is no excuse for apathy and that if something needs to be said, there is always a way to say it. Toyah Willcox, comedian Mark Thomas and activist Kierra Box are among those who challenge people's right to be apathetic.