RENT strikers and politicians linked arms on Saturday to march on Downing Street in their hundreds in protest over the Conservatives’ Housing Bill.

Protesters came from across London to demand a withdrawal of the proposed plans, which would end secure tenancies and stop the building of new social housing. 

Among those demonstrating was Green Party leader Natalie Bennett and Lambeth council leader Lib Peck, as well as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s brother Piers Corbyn. 

Speaking at the rally, Ms Bennett said: “For generations council housing has been the secure basis where people have raised their children. 

“It’s been the secure basis of communities that have helped each other, supported each other. 

“It’s been the basis from which people have been able to grow older in security and safety without worry.”

Arguing that the people of London would not allow social housing to disappear she said: “We already lost 1.5 million homes to right to buy. 

“This Housing Bill will absolutely cut a swathe through communities if it’s allowed to go through.”

Lobbying against the Tory document was the Kill the Housing Bill campaign, supported by a coalition of groups including Defend Council Housing (DCH).

DCH spokesman Glyn Robbins told the Star the day’s protest was a “step on the road” towards a mass movement for social housing. 

The protest was mostly attended by young people, some of whom were arrested at the end of the day as police took advantage of dwindling numbers to pounce on a few demonstrators. 

Mr Robbins saw the average age as a positive note, adding that many of those present would like to be housed in council homes.

“How many of these young people who are forced into private renting because there’s no alternative would love to be council tenants or even housing association tenants?” said Mr Robbins.

English and French student Sarah Benamar, who is striking against rising rents at University College London halls of residence, said that “in the end it’s more about the money than about education, and that’s what people need to understand. 

“When people say that if you don’t have the means to come, you shouldn’t come, it’s a really silly argument. 

“You shouldn’t come to London because you have money or you don’t, you should come because you have top universities here.”

On the budget cuts she makes due to high housing costs, Ms Benamar lists: “I don’t use transport, I walk basically everywhere, which can be a bit complicated when you’re looking for a job. 

“I have a really small budget for food. If I had to place a number I’d say I spend around £10 a week for food. So basically I have pasta every night.”