Hundreds marched through the streets of Manchester and called for action in a demonstration to commemorate the Peterloo Massacre. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those who addressed the crowd during speeches at St Peter's Square this afternoon (August 14).
Greater Manchester acting stars Maxine Peake and Julie Hesmondhalgh - who both featured in the 2018 film Peterloo about the massacre - also spoke to the crowd. The event took place two days before the 203rd anniversary of Peterloo, which took place on August 16, 1819.
On that day, 60,000 working people gathered on St Peter's Field, Manchester, in a peaceful demonstration to demand representation in Parliament and the right to vote. A cavalry charged in - trampling and attacking those who had gathered, leading to 18 deaths including a two-year-old boy and an unborn child.
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Today's gathering comes amid a spiralling cost of living crisis - with energy bills and fuel prices soaring over the past year, and further sharp increases expected to follow in October and next January. It also took place against a backdrop of widespread industrial action for workers across the country, as repeated calls were made for a 'summer of solidarity'.
Following his appearance at the event, Mr Corbyn wrote on Twitter: "At today’s commemoration of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester we sent a strong message: We need an immediate wealth tax, with our energy, water, rail and mail in public hands to bring down bills and help us build a fairer society of peace, justice and shared wealth."
Representatives from the RMT union, which has been striking over pay and conditions for its members this summer, were in attendance at the event. Other unions including Unite, Unison and the Fire Brigades Union were also present.
The crowd gathered at Piccadilly Gardens before marching through Manchester city centre - along Market Street and Deansgate on its way to St Peter's Square. Other notable attendees included filmmaker Ken Loach, Julian Assange's wife Stella Moris, and Piers Corbyn, who sparked controversy during the Covid pandemic with his views on vaccines and restrictions.
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