Paul Mason pens intro to Student Revolt

Pluto Press is to publish an oral history of the 2010 student protests entitled Student Revolt by Matt Myers.

The publisher acquired worldwide rights to the book and is publishing it in partnership with Left Book Club.

With an introduction from journalist Paul Mason, Student Revolt: Voices of the Austerity Generation gathers testimonies from figures including Vince Cable, Aaron Bastani, David Willetts, Nina Power and Malia Bouattia, outgoing president of the National Union of Students (NUS) to tell the story of the year that introduced a generation to "the power of the mass movement".

The publisher said: "In 2010 young people across Britain took to the streets to defy a wave of government attacks on education, increasing tuition fees, and cuts to grants for college students. Months of occupations, ‘kettling’ and outbreaks of violence ensued, but to what effect? Today, students face new attacks on higher education from the current Conservative government. The 'Millbank Generation' has sinced moved on - some fell into political inactivity - but many went on to explore different forms of politics, with many being involved in the grassroots campaigning that has brought about the rise of Jeremy Corbyn and his recent electoral success."

Author Myers is a doctoral student at the University of Oxford and was also a participant in the 2010 student movement.

This book will provide "poignant" reminder of the revolt for today's activists, as well as an "opportunity to reflect on its many lessons", according to the publisher.

David Castle, editorial director at Pluto Press, said: "Student Revolt relates the excitement of mass politics and direct action, but also the lessons learnt from defeat. Since that time, many of those involved in the student movement have rallied in support of the Labour Party under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, and the student revolt is a key reason for understanding the leftward shift of many young people today, and the large vote for Labour amongst the under 30s in the June 2017 election. This book is vital for appreciating both the internal dynamics and the personal experiences within a mass movement, and also how even in apparent defeat seeds are sown which lead to greater things."