Thousands March Through Edinburgh In Call for Action on Poverty
Right now in your community, there are families going without the basic essentials. Some children are growing up without a safe and warm place to call home. Healthcare waiting lists are stretched, schools are under pressure, and many people are struggling to access the care and support they need and deserve.
It’s something the team here at VCEL witness first-hand on a much too regular basis. But now people up and down the country are past the point of asking for help – they are demanding it. Scotland deserves better, so Scotland demands better.
That’s why thousands of people took to the streets of Edinburgh this weekend, calling on the Scottish Government to tackle poverty, reduce inequality, and better support communities.
What is Scotland Demands Better?
Scotland Demands Better is a campaign designed to unite people right across the country as they call on politicians to make the vital changes required for a society where every person can thrive and prosper.
The campaign is co-ordinated by The Poverty Alliance, Scotland’s national network of organisations that want a future beyond the injustice of poverty.
Key campaign demands include:
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.
Better social security so that all of us have a foundation for the future.
The March For All of Us
Last Saturday (25th October) saw a high point for the Scotland Demands Better Campaign. Almost 5,000 people, backed by more than 280 organisations joined The March for All of Us, lending their voices to protest deepening inequalities, and the number of people still living in poverty in Scotland, and the UK.
Demonstrations began a protest outside Holyrood and concluded at the Meadows with a rally showcasing inspiring speeches, musical entertainment, food vendors and free activities for children.
Notable figures taking to the stage on the day included author, musician and social commentator Darren McGarvey, Peter Kelly of Poverty Alliance, Linda Craik from End Poverty Edinburgh, Reverend Rose Frew of the Church of Scotland, Davey Strachan – activist with FBU, Anna Brown – activist with Friends of the Earth, Sai Viswanathan, President of NUS Scotland, and Roz Foyer from STUC.
There were also musical performances from Declan Welsh, Bemz, and Colonel Mustard and the Dijon 5.
The whole day was a powerful reminder of our obligations to stand against injustice, and fight for what is right.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about the Scotland Demands Better campaign and the March For All of Us, head to www.scotland-demands-better.com where you can access a range of free resources, including downloadable posters, leaflets and a campaign toolkit.