**Thousands Rally in Central London to Oppose Benefits Cuts and Austerity Measures**
Central London witnessed a vast demonstration on Saturday as campaigners, trade unionists, and community groups joined forces to protest against government cuts to benefits and public spending. The rally, coordinated by the campaign group the People’s Assembly Against Austerity, saw thousands converge on Whitehall, making their voices heard in a call for social justice and an end to austerity policies.
Among the prominent speakers were Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott, addressing the assembled crowds and lending their support to those impacted by recent welfare reforms. The gathering underscored a united front among diverse organisations, including representatives from the National Education Union, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, and political groups such as the Green Party and the Revolutionary Communist Party.
The atmosphere was charged with slogans and placards reflecting public anger and frustration. Messages such as “Tax the rich, stop the cuts – welfare not warfare”, “Nurses not nukes”, and “Cut war, not welfare” dominated the sea of banners as protestors set out from Portland Place shortly before 1pm, making their way towards the seat of government in Whitehall.
Organisers accuse the government of targeting society’s most vulnerable through funding cuts, particularly in welfare and essential public services. Specific grievances highlighted by campaigners include the retention of the two-child benefit cap, reductions in universal credit eligibility, and the scaling back of support such as winter fuel payments. The recent move to lower the UK’s foreign aid commitment from 0.5% to 0.3% of GDP, set alongside a rise in defence spending, was singled out for particular criticism.
Speaking for the People’s Assembly, a spokesperson described these policies as “tough choices” presented by government, but insisted that genuine solutions would focus on taxing hidden wealth and investing in vital public services. “Scrapping welfare payments, cutting £5 billion by restricting Pip and universal credit access, and leaving millions struggling are choices being made at the expense of the many for the benefit of the few,” they stated.
The demonstration, themed “No to Austerity 2.0”, sought to bring together a wide coalition—including health professionals, disability campaigners, housing advocates, and grassroots welfare organisations. The shared message was a rejection of divisive politics, and a call for a society “in which our children can flourish”.
The rally also addressed broader concerns about the political climate, with fears of the far right gaining ground, fuelled by societal division and dissatisfaction. Protest leaders emphasised the urgent need to tackle issues like child poverty, invest anew in the NHS and education, and ensure refugees and vulnerable groups are adequately supported.
Throughout the afternoon, the crowds heard from a variety of speakers: trade union leaders demanded fairer pay and better funding for workers, while disability and anti-poverty campaigners highlighted the day-to-day impact of cuts on millions of lives. Calls for a fairer tax system and a reversal of austerity policies were repeatedly echoed.
As the protest unfolded, organisers stressed their intention was not only to register opposition but also to galvanise positive change. “We need to see the vulnerable cared for, public services rebuilt, and an end to policies that deepen division,” said one union representative. This demand for renewed social investment was a theme that united speakers and attendees alike.
With a general election looming, the size and determination of the gathering appeared to signal a growing appetite among many sections of the public for a new approach to social welfare—one based on solidarity, equality, and shared prosperity. The march concluded peacefully, with participants urged to continue campaigning both locally and nationally, making clear that for many, their calls for change are far from fading.