Striking firefighters joined the People’s Assembly march through London on Saturday 21 June protesting against the government’s austerity policies.
Campaigners estimate over 50,000 people took part in the march, which began at BBC Broadcasting House and ended up next to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, where the crowd heard from several speakers including general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union Matt Wrack.
Speaking about the event, Wrack said: “It was important that firefighters took part in this march as the government’s austerity policies are doing so much damage to members and the fire service.
“On the same day as the march firefighters were undertaking strike action against attacks on our pensions, and the demonstration highlighted how our battle with the government is part of the wider campaign against cuts and austerity, which are destroying our public services, our living standards and our pensions.
“It was great to see the support given to firefighters on the march and on our picket lines around the country.”
Other speakers included comedian Russell Brand, Christine Blower, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Len McCluskey, general secretary of the trade union Unite, and journalist Owen Jones.
