Major new cross-civil society campaign and march launched

People who feel that politics is letting society down are being invited to take to the streets of Edinburgh to demand a better Scotland.

The Scotland Demands Better march on Saturday, 25 October will bring together anti-poverty campaigners, trade unions, faith groups, environmental activists, charities and community organisations.

They say there is growing public anger at a lack of fundamental political action to build a better society.

Campaigners have united around three clear demands:

• better jobs for everyone who needs one, with fair conditions and wages that pay the bills,
• better investment for life's essentials - like affordable homes, good public transport, a thriving natural environment, and strong public services
• and better social security so that all of us have a foundation for the future.

They issued an open invite to everyone who wants a better society to turn out for the march, which will be a vibrant, family-friendly event, with inspiring speakers from across Scotland’s communities, with live music and activities for all ages.

The campaign has support from across the third sector and civil society.

Among those backing it is the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).

Anna Fowlie, SCVO chief executive, said: "SCVO was born out of the need to mobilise the power of voluntary and community organisations to rebuild Scottish society after the second world war.

“It’s shameful that 80 years on, we see poverty and inequality still rife and deep-rooted problems still preventing people from living fulfilling, healthy lives. We still have a system that favours the wealthy and exacerbates disadvantage. That’s why SCVO is committed to supporting Scotland Demands Better.

 “Scotland needs to invest in making sure people have good quality work, homes and public services; quality of life, wellbeing and the environment are everyone’s right. Voluntary organisations across the country work tirelessly to support people and communities, and to campaign for change. It’s time to act."

Peter Kelly, chief executive of the Poverty Alliance, which is co-ordinating the campaign, said: “Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it. Scotland desperately needs that change.

“Too many of us are being cut off from life's essentials. Too many are frightened of what the future will bring. Too many of us are feeling tired, angry, isolated, and disillusioned. Too many are without a home, or sacrificing meals for their families, dreading winter due to heating costs, or struggling to get by on wages that don’t cover their household costs.

“We know it doesn’t have to be this way. There has been some welcome action from politicians, but it can’t be right that one in five of us are still living in poverty. It’s time for organisations across Scotland to come together to show our political leaders that we demand the fundamental changes and investment that will lead to a better future for all of us.”

Others supporting the campaign and march are the Scottish TUC, the Church of Scotland, Justice & Peace Scotland, Oxfam, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Citizens Advice Scotland, and many more.

During its recent General Assembly, the Church of Scotland agreed to give the march its backing.

Assembly Moderator Rt Rev Rosie Frew said: “The Bible calls on us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly. The Church is determined to be visible and vocal about the injustice and oppression that is happening around us. We welcome the Scotland Demands Better March and our presbyteries and congregations across the country will be actively involved, helping to bring Christ’s compassion into our public life.”

Meanwhile, Scottish TUC general secretary Roz Foyer said: “From Shetland to Selkirk, and from Argyll to Angus, people are demanding better jobs for everyone who needs one, and more freedom for workers to come together and negotiate a better deal on wages and conditions. We’re delighted to join with the Poverty Alliance and civic groups across Scotland to demand better for our people and our communities. We would ask all those who agree with us to stand beside our movement on 25 October.”

Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, added: “This is a march for all of us - a line in the sand that says enough is enough and that we won’t be bystanders. Too many people in Scotland, especially those already pushed to the margins, are being left behind without a fair shot at a better life. We’re demanding our political leaders tax the wealthiest fairly and invest in building a fairer, greener future for everyone - today, tomorrow and for generations to come."

The march is being planned to assemble at the Scottish Parliament and march up the Royal Mile and along George IV Bridge to The Meadows.

Over the coming months, Scotland Demands Better will be working to publicise the march, fundraise for materials, and to help them organise transport to bring together people from villages, towns, and cities across the country.

Everyone who is interested can sign up for news and support the campaign here.