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Thousands protest as Conservative Party Conference kicks off in Manchester

The People's Assembly is running a rally against the Government every day of the annual Tory gathering.

The Manc The Manc - 4th October 2021

Thousands of protesters marched through Manchester on the first day of the Conservative Party conference yesterday.

They were calling for various reforms, including to social care and policing.

About 10,000 delegates are expected in the city for the Tories’ first in-person conference since the pandemic and their 2019 election victory.

The prime minister has said he wants to “build back better – with decisive action on more jobs, more police and supporting health and social care”.

The People’s Assembly is running a rally against the Government every day of the annual Tory gathering.

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It says the demonstration “will cover issues including Kill the Bill, racism, climate change, nuclear weapons, education, ending fire and rehire and of course our NHS”.

The group also pledges to hold “a beautiful candlelit vigil to mark the many needless deaths due to COVID-19 and dreadful Tory policy”.

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Yesterday’s march was the centrepiece of the group’s demonstrations, which began yesterday in St Peter’s Square, and will continue until Tuesday.

The march means several buses are being diverted and road closures will be in place over the course of the afternoon, although Metrolink trams are not affected.

Passengers are being encouraged to plan their journey by checking Transport for Greater Manchester’s website and social media channels for updates.