Marches to back capitalism

Walks for Capitalism are planned in four English cities

Supporters of capitalism are planning marches in England in praise of free enterprise.

Four cities in Britain will have a "Walk For Capitalism" on 2 December - Bath, Southampton, Manchester and London.

Organisers say the walk day is going to be a positive day of promotion, discussion and festivities.

They say it will not just be a counterbalance to the rise in anti-capitalism marches over the past few years.

Capitalism should be a voluntary exchange of goods and services

Robert Groezinger, march organiser

Last month anti-capitalist and anti-war demonstrators prompted a huge police presence in Brighton during the Labour Party's annual conference.

Other marches have included the famous May Day protests, which this year saw thousands of protesters taking to the streets in London and in cities across Europe.

1,500 anti-capitalists marched on Oxford Circus

Robert Groezinger, who is organising the march in Bath, said the "Walks for Capitalism" will not be protests in the traditional sense of the word.

A meeting to plan the Bath event was being held on Thursday.

He said: "We're keen to avoid the word 'demonstration'. That implies people running about with placards, and that's not what we're about."

The walks will include stops at places and buildings that symbolise the achievements of free enterprise.

Robert Groezinger said: "We will be trying to show a representative sample of big and small businesses. We're not expecting numbers but we aim to impress with ideas."

Walk For Capitalism's official position statement, which has been written by the author Andrew Bernstein, said: "Capitalism is the only system based on the recognition that each individual owns his life."

Voluntary exchanges

Mr Groezinger said: "I'd describe myself as an 'anarcho-capitalist'. I believe that we could do without the state and we should let people do business as they please.

"It should be a voluntary exchange of goods and services."

The walks on 2 December are part of a worldwide initiative which will see pro-capitalism events taking place in nearly 80 cities around the world.