From Vicky, our co-branch Secretary:
This past weekend, Nathan and I attended the National March Against Austerity in London, joining a large contingent from Bristol, including members of the Bristol Trades Council, Stop the War Coalition, and NHS campaigners.
Around 20,000 people gathered despite the rain to oppose cuts to the welfare state, with participants from local councils and other UNISON branches uniting under shared goals.
The colourfulness of our branch banner always attracts attention on a national march.
The march, vibrant and diverse, was filled with chants of “Welfare, not Warfare!” as attendees also showed strong support for Palestinian causes and received favourable press coverage.
We heard powerful speeches from figures like Jeremy Corbyn, Diane Abbott, Leanne Mohamed, the striking Birmingham bin workers, and John Rees of The People’s Assembly, all calling for an end to austerity and greater investment in public services.
The event highlighted a unified demand for justice and fairness in society. It underscored widespread dissatisfaction and defiance against austerity and a collective demand for a fairer, more compassionate society.
