Thousands march in protest over cuts

THOUSANDS of people marched through Glasgow yesterday in protest at government cuts.

The People First rally included politicians, trade unions and faith groups campaigning to protect those hardest hit by service and benefits cuts across the UK. The march left Glasgow Green at noon and featured a range of fringe events in places of worship, student unions and hotels in the city.

Grahame Smith, general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, said: “We have been joined by thousands of people from all over Scotland and from its diverse communities for the People First demonstration today.

“First and foremost this sends a clear message to the coalition government and Tory Party conference that we need a Plan B now to avoid recession, rising poverty and damaging cuts in services.

“But it also says to politicians of all parties civic society will come together to ensure that policies at all levels of government serve the purpose of redistributing wealth and protecting those hit by cuts in services.”

Iain Gray, the outgoing Scottish Labour leader, who attended the march, said Tory cuts are being passed on by the Scottish Government.

He said: “The SNP will also slash the budgets of our councils who are on the front line of protecting our communities. And there is nothing in that budget to ease the pain of the Tory welfare cuts. My message to the SNP government is to think again.”

Glasgow Kelvin SNP MSP Sandra White, said at the rally: “We must strive towards a Scotland where all have the opportunity to reach their potential.”