Campaign will continue with transformative demands and a vision of hope and unity over division
Thousands of people marched through Edinburgh to demand a better Scotland at the weekend.
And key campaigners are determined that this is only the start of a movement that will cut across despair infecting communities saddled with low pay, savage cuts and diminishing services with a transformative message of hope.
The Scotland Demands Better march and rally brought together anti-poverty campaigners, trade unions, faith groups, environmental activists, charities, community organisations and many more.
Campaigners 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.
Organised by the Poverty Alliance, Scotland Demands Better has support from across the country's voluntary sector.
Following the successful event, alliance director Peter Kelly sent this message to supporters: “We came together in Edinburgh to demand better. Hundreds of organisations and individuals from communities across Scotland coming together to say we demand better- united by a shared belief that everyone deserves to live a decent and dignified life.
“I want to start with a heartfelt thank you. Whether you joined us in Edinburgh, helped spread the word online, organised transport for your own community or activists to be present, or if you cheered us on from afar, your support made this moment matter.
“We’re taking our message directly to decision-makers and making sure that our calls are heard in both the UK Parliament and Scottish Parliament
“We’ll keep you updated on how you can stay involved - from future campaign actions to opportunities to share your story and amplify the message that Scotland Demands Better.
“Thank you again for being part of this movement. Together, we’ve shown what’s possible when people stand together for change.”
The Scotland Demands Better movement is being supported by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
Its chief executive, Anna Fowlie, said: “On Saturday, we saw thousands of people from across civil society uniting to demand something better for Scotland. For too long, we have seen entrenched poverty, growing inequalities and now we see distrust in the system creating toxic division in our communities.
“Despite the rhetoric from all mainstream political parties, our failed system clings to the status quo and doesn’t deliver on prevention, a wellbeing economy or eradicating poverty. Evidence of what works is spoken about but not acted on.
“Saturday was a moment in time, but it must be more. We must build on that momentum and unite around building a better Scotland where everyone is able to thrive, where young lives aren’t blighted by mouldy homes, where old people aren’t left on hospital trolleys and where people aren’t choosing between eating and heating. It’s complex, but it’s not difficult.
“The state must focus its efforts on what makes a genuine difference, and all of us must bring our skills and resources together for the sake of our communities.
“Only when everyone feels welcome, respected and able to live their lives well will we see an end to division and a thriving Scotland."
Picture credit: Craig MacLean. For more on Craig's work, go here: https://www.craigmacleanphotography.co.uk/
