From Land’s End to London: our film of the Relay to the Rally

For me the high point of the recent Homes for Britain Rally happened before the first speaker even stepped on the stage.

Being outside the Hall, watching the assembled crowds, banners and placards waving, I felt the energy which had been created amongst the many housing associations, and others, present.

Having Betsy, our Homes for Britain branded bus, pull up directly outside made my day. Over the course of a month she had travelled from Land’s End stopping at over 30 local events along the way. Together with the other Relay to the Rally-ers who walked, cycled and ran from all over the country to London they ensured a strong voice from the regions (and nations) at what was a truly national event.

I’m delighted to unveil our new film which showcases Betsy the Bus’ journey from Land’s End to London. Whilst capturing the often carnival-like atmosphere of the Relay to the Rally it also reminds us why Homes for Britain is so important. With so many being priced out of the housing market and so few homes being built there will be no quick and easy solutions to our housing crisis. This is why housing associations across the South West, South East and London came together to put Betsy the Bus on the road in support of the Homes for Britain campaign.

With the success of the Rally we have moved closer to seeing the end of the housing crisis but there is still a long way to go. The campaign continues and must build on the energy and momentum we have created.

The General Election is in less than three weeks. Housing has had a much higher profile during this campaign than in the past with considerable time given to the issue in the recent televised debates. We need an end to the housing crisis in a generation and so we must keep the pressure on our politicians. Betsy the Bus has earned a well-deserved rest but for everyone else there is much still to do.

You can find out more about this final stage of the General Election campaign here.

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Written by Jenny Allen | Posted on 21st April 2015

Jenny Allen is Policy Leader at the National Housing Federation