Thousands expected at anti austerity demonstration

A huge demonstration will be held on Saturday to “send a message” to the Government over spending cuts and welfare reform.

The People’s Assembly said it expected thousands of trade unionists, campaigners and activists to attend the event in central London.

The campaign group accused the Government of making spending cuts that target the poorest in society.

A spokesperson said: “The adherence to ‘fiscal rules’ traps us in a public service funding crisis, increasing poverty, worsening mental health and freezing public sector pay.

“Scrapping winter fuel payments, keeping the Tory two-child benefit cap, abandoning Waspi women, cutting £5 billion of welfare by limiting PIP and universal credit eligibility, and slashing UK foreign aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, while increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, are presented as ‘tough choices.’

“Real tough choices would be for a Labour government to tax the rich and their hidden wealth, to fund public services, fair pay, investment in communities and the NHS.”

The People’s Assembly said it is bringing together trade unionists, health, disability, housing, and welfare campaigners with community organisations under the slogan: No to Austerity 2.0.

There will be a march from central London to Whitehall for a rally, with speeches by trade union leaders, politicians, disability rights activists, anti-poverty campaigners and groups calling for more investment in the NHS and other public services.

The spokesperson added: “We face a growing threat from the far right, fuelled by racism, division, and failed politics. We need to see people’s lives improve, we need to see the vulnerable cared for and an end to child poverty.