Speaking to protesters at Bristol’s End The Tampon Tax march

It’s emerged that two of Bristol’s MP’s voted in favour of keeping the tampon tax this year.

The tax, which classes tampons and sanitary pads as “luxury items”, has infuriated people across Britain.  Bristol’s public took to the streets this Saturday to make their voices heard.  A smaller crowd than the earlier walk Reclaim The Night, but no less determined.  I spoke to a few protesters to hear their reasons for marching.

Rhea and Cari

“Essentially it’s ridiculous that tampons are classed as luxury items when kangaroo and crocodile meats aren’t”

“Walking around with these [her tampon earrings] I’ve gotten a lot of compliments!”

Erin

“We’re trying to lift the tax because homeless women heavily rely on sanitary products and the tax makes it really difficult for them”

Rowena and Maddie

There are donation buckets like this all around the University campus.  It is kindly requested that sanitary pads are the preferred donation as there are some cultural issues surrounding insertion.  For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/PadsforRefugees/

Organisers Emilia, Leigh-Ann, Izzy and Rosie

Izzy said “We understand it’s an EU issue but the government should be pushing the issue.  It’s so clearly unfair”

Harriet

“Women’s lives are so hard, to be burdened with another expense…sanitary equipment is a necessity, not a luxury”

Jake

“Under the EU legislation it’s so difficult to say anything.  I can’t believe two MP’s in Bristol voted against.  We’re meant to be a forward-thinking place”