INDEPENDENCE supporters are set to flood the streets of Falkirk this weekend as All Under One Banner (AUOB) will host a march in the town.
The group is demanding action on rising poverty levels amid the rising cost-of-living crisis, with a particular focus on the number of children currently suffering – something organisers say is part of the “cost of the Union”.
In a statement on Twitter, the group said: “The policies and priorities of the UK Government are causing a massive hike in the cost of living: Inflation, wage cuts, benefit cuts, tax rises and galloping energy costs which are disproportionately impacting the poorest in Scotland.
“This is a blight on people’s lives that touches on every aspect of their wellbeing. It impacts on their mental and physical health, and condemns many children to a life disaffected by hunger and fear, with diminished prospects for the future.”
Set to kick off at 12.30pm sharp, the march will start from Glenfuir Road and eventually end up in Callendar Park.
A rally will be held at the end of the march and will feature a number of speakers, including SNP MPs John McNally and Michelle Thompson.
Falkirk MP McNally said the theme of the event is “so timely” as rising energy bills and the cost-of-living hit communities and businesses.
He added: “An independent Scotland will have its own publicly owned Scotgrid that will end once and for all the bizarre national grid system and give peace of mind to everyone in Scotland on the stability of energy bills.
“We can make Caledonia dreaming a reality and Saturday’s AUOB march will help deliver our cause. Welcome everyone to Falkirk and another great day of campaigning for independence.”
Thompson said: “I look forward to addressing the AUOB Falkirk march. Yes supporters from across the district will come together to celebrate their wish for a democratic, caring, independent Scotland.”
Event organiser Sean Mellon said: “I’m looking forward to a great march and rally which will show unity in action from across the breadth of the Yes movement. We will have some fantastic speakers and music acts on the day and the mighty Yes bikers will be bringing the thunder to Falkirk. Make sure to attend the national demonstration.”