(North West TUC JCC) THE 1995 Peoples March from Bury to the Tory Party Conference in Blackpool was dedicated to the campaign to defend the Welfare State.
Trade Union Concils from the Nonth West and many others across Badin supporco the marca with donations.
It was the first march for 176 years to set off from Bury, in Greater Mana colossal success. Thirty five people - young, old, students, civil servants. part, marching through towns, cities, and villares of arcaler Manchester and Lancashire on their way to Blackpool.
nc oon cveywuce was tremendous, easing the marchers' pains, thirst and sore foet. In Bury. Burnley. Accrington. Blackburn. Leyland and Preston local Trade Union Concils, Labour councils and MPs came out to meet us and every evening they organised and spoke at our public meetings.
The chants echoed across the hills: "Jobs for all, that's our call', and "When do we want it? We want it now." The favounte was 'Boots up Major's arse!'. When we marched into Blackpool we were met by hundreds of pensioners, trade unionists Sho suedes The march around the Tory conference was lined with supporters and well-wishers: over 8.000 wasthe estimate. At the first sight of Tory acicgales, the botball chant we all know too well was beard: "Going down, going down, rois down... Even some young police constables The final rally heard a host of fine and emotional speeches, but the ad. dress by 7l wear-old marcher Steve Stevenson won a standing ovation. He said "If we can spend millions on war. surely we can soend millions or in old age. the welfare of our people.". had been to attack the record of the party of the ruling class, which for the past i6 years has systematicalls attacked the fabric of the welfare . state - crocing coucaton, Ie NHs community care, disability rights. housing and social security. at the evils of the Tory cuts, but a demand to raise expectations of the people for their future and the future of their children.
sadly Labour pontcans nave joined Tories in telling us that our Cemment. country is not able to afford the most basic necessities: the right to useful
SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 93, November 11 1995, Page 4