Oldham group joins protest

Standing together

Jeremy Corbyn is expected to address a crowd of hundreds at a protest event in Manchester during the Conservative Party conference.

Leaders of the main parties traditionally stay away from rivals’ conferences, but Mr Corbyn will appear at a public meeting organised by the Communication Workers’ Union.

The Labour leader’s visit to Manchester comes after tens of thousands of activists marched through the city centre to protest about Government policies on the conference’s opening day — including Oldham’s Labour Group, led by council leader Councillor Jim McMahon.

The group — which also consisted of Oldham Council’s deputy leader Councillor Jean Stretton —held a banner which simply read “Standing together”.

Although the march, involving an estimated 60,000 people, was largely peaceful, there were some ugly scenes and five arrests.

Mr Corbyn had appealed for activists to “focus on policy and take no part in personal attacks”.

But some elements of the protest ignored his call for “kinder” politics and spat at conference-goers, including journalists, while a young Tory was hit with an egg.

A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said he thought the abuse suffered by reporters was “inexcusable” and “journalists must be able to do their jobs”.

Green leader Natalie Bennett and singer turned activist Charlotte Church are also expected at today’s event in Manchester Cathedral.

The CWU’s campaign sets out to protect postal services and decent employment standards in the postal industry, which the union claims is under threat from privatisation and aggressive regulation.

Movement

Ahead of the event CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “The level of interest in this event clearly shows that a movement is building in our country that calls for a different kind of politics.

“The CWU is central to this movement, as is protecting the UK’s postal services.”

Yesterday’s demonstration saw thousands of people march through the city to Manchester Central, where the conference was taking place, protesting against austerity, NHS reforms and cuts to spending and benefits.

Speeches were heard from union leaders and campaign groups, while many of those marching held banners such as "Cut war not welfare" and "Save the NHS",

Police arrested five people during the day, two for obstructing a police officer, one for assault, one for being drunk and disorderly and one for attempted theft.

Chief Supt John O'Hare said: "Around 60,000 people took part in a demonstration and I would like to thank them for their co-operation.

“The overwhelming majority of people have exercised their democratic right to protest with dignity and good grace.

“In those rare instances where individuals have sought to cause trouble, our officers have acted in a calm and professional manner to ensure that the actions of the few did not compromise the safety, enjoyment and reputation of the majority.

“The fact that only five arrests have been made throughout the day so far was particularly pleasing.

“I'd like to thank organisers for taking responsibility and ensuring the demo was planned and delivered appropriately.”