We recently received the sad news that long term disability campaigner and activist Linda Laurie has died. Her partner Mike Higgins speaks of her unswerving loyalty as a socialist campaigner as well as fighting for the rights of Disabled People, for inclusive education, the re-nationalisation of the Health Service, anti-sexism, anti-racism and for equality.
Linda was active in the 1980’s with the Woman’s Peace Camp at Greenham Common, in the anti-apartheid movements both for South Africa and Palestine, the Disabled Peoples’ Direct Action Network (DAN), the Campaign for Accessible Transport (CAT), and with various socialist organisations. She also undertook many small and large actions of solidarity, supporting refugees and asylum seekers, which included the founding of the Group “No Barriers No Borders”, for disabled migrants in Sheffield.
Linda will be buried on Friday 23rd June 2023 with honours under the red flag, at a humanist ceremony. The burial will be in the location Linda chose, which is a woodland near the New Forest in Hampshire. If you plan to attend this event, please dress in whatever is comfortable for you, but try to use colourful and bright clothing, if possible, which reflects and reminds you of Linda.
Mike is also holding an event in London on the evening of Saturday 8th July 2023, to remember and celebrate Linda’s life and her contributions to humanity. Again, there is no dress code, but purple, blue or other bright colourful attire is encouraged.
If you wish to attend either or both events, then please contact Mike by email: mike.j.higgins@icloud.com or by telephone: 02035792182 | 07956856060.
Description of cartoon for those using screen reading software
The image is a caricature of Linda Laurie sat in her power wheelchair carrying a sign that reads ‘Nothing about us without us’. She is smiling and is wearing a woolly hat, a scarf, gloves and a heavy coat. Behind her is the dark shape of other protesters.
Crippen Cartoons 