Campaigners from across Scotland converge on the capital on Saturday, 25 October
Campaigners are demanding Scotland’s politicians attend a national demonstration in Edinburgh to listen to the voice of people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis, failing public services and the impact of poverty and inequality.
The Scotland Demands Better march – backed by a coalition of trade unions, charities, community groups and more - will see people from across Scotland converge on the capital on Saturday, 25 October with a march from the Scottish Parliament to a mass rally in the Meadows.
There, marchers will hear from speakers from faith groups, trade unions, community organisations and the third sector about the crises that are fuelling poverty and division in communities across the country.
Politicians have been invited to come along to listen, but they will not be giving speeches.
Social commentator Darren McGarvey will headline the event, alongside musical contributions from Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5, Rapper Bemz and Glasgow singer songwriter Declan Welsh.
Peter Kelly, chief executive of the Poverty Alliance, which is co-ordinating the campaign, said: “Scotland’s communities are being let down. Too many of us are going hungry, or are without a home, or sacrificing meals for families, dreading winter due to heating costs, or struggling to get by on wages that don’t cover household costs. But politicians are not taking responsibility. We know what’s needed to tackle poverty but our leaders aren’t taking that action.
“People across Scotland are coming together to demand better. We have sent invitations to the first minister and every MSP and MP to join us on the 25th of October, and extend that invitation to every councillor in the country. We want them to come to Edinburgh in ‘listening mode’ and to hear the voices of workers facing insecurity and low pay, young people affected by the housing crisis and families struggling to make ends meet.
“With the Scottish election on the horizon this is their chance to listen to people, take stock and respond with a political programme that will address the fundamental issues of poverty, the soaring cost of living, declining public services and societal division.”
Click here for times and full route details.
