Up to 10,000 pensioners, students, carers, health professionals, the unemployed and trade unionists took to the street to warn the main political parties that they should think again before making cuts to the welfare state and public services. London, UK.10/04/10

In bright sunshine, marchers led by the RMT brass band, filled the Embankment and marched up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square.

At the rally, NPC general secretary Dot Gibson said: "Our campaign to protect...
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Up to 10,000 pensioners, students, carers, health professionals, the unemployed and trade unionists took to the street to warn the main political parties that they should think again before making cuts to the welfare state and public services. London, UK.10/04/10

In bright sunshine, marchers led by the RMT brass band, filled the Embankment and marched up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square.

At the rally, NPC general secretary Dot Gibson said: "Our campaign to protect the welfare state and public services has brought together old and young alike because we recognize that whatever our age, we all need the support of a decent welfare system. Free education, care when we are sick and pensions when we retire are all valued parts of a civilised and compassionate society."

"Today they tell us there isn't the money to improve pensions, care and public services - but there wasn't any money in 1945 and we still created a welfare state. If we could do it then, we can do it now."

"All the main political parties have said there will be major cuts to our public services and welfare state after the election. This must not happen. The economic crisis has been brought about by the mistakes of bankers, speculators and an unregulated free market. Pensioners, students, school children, disabled people, the unemployed and ordinary workers must not be made to pay for those mistakes. That's why today we are standing together to protect our welfare state and we'll go on campaigning for as long as it takes."
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