A HUGE march for 'jobs, justice and climate' ahead of the G20 summit took place amid huge security yesterday as thousands of protesters gathered in London.
Police from six forces were drafted in to assist Metropolitan officers, but they kept a relatively low profile as campaigners took part in the first of a week of demonstrations as world leaders prepare to meet.
Waving flags and placards, pro
testers – estimated by police at up to 35,000 – moved past landmarks in a carnival-like atmosphere before congregating in Hyde Park for a series of speeches.
The Put People First march – featuring an alliance of 150 groups, including unions, charities, environmental campaigners and faith organisations – comes amid anger at the £19m cost of staging the conference at a time of economic downturn.
A massive operation was launched as police warned of an "unprecedented" threat posed by the protests.
But by mid-afternoon there were no signs of problems, backing up the organisers' pledge that events would not turn violent. Television presenter Tony Robinson, who compered the Hyde Park gathering, said: "Like 97% of the people here, I'm absolutely hacked off with what's happened."
Among the organisations represented were Save The Children, War On Want and trade unions. Many protesters carried banners bearing slogans including "Put the children first" and "Climate emergency" as they trooped along the four-mile route from the Embankment accompanied by brass bands.
There were boos and whistles as they passed 10 Downing Street. Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for energy and climate change, said:
"People here today realise we are facing an economic and environmental crisis and we need to solve them both."
Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband met campaigners before the march and said the "vast majority" were planning peaceful protest – "the kind of peaceful protest that is very much part of our society".
Further direct action is feared this week, with police leave cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday.
