John McDonnell to speak at trade union rally in Sheffield

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell speaking to Labour members in Sheffield at St Marys Church
Picture by Dean Atkins — Shadow chancellor John McDonnell speaking to Labour members in Sheffield at St Marys Church Picture by Dean Atkins

The shadow chancellor will join trade unionists in Sheffield at a rally protesting job cuts and austerity.

Labour’s John McDonnell will be among the speakers at the ‘Northern Powerhouse or Northern Poorhouse?’ rally, which will begin with a march from Devonshire Green at midday tomorrow, ending up on the steps of the city hall at 1pm.

He will be joined by trade union leaders and city politicians to speak out against Government policy.

Sheffield Trade Union Council secretary Martin Mayer said: “We are expecting a large crowd to assemble in Barker’s Pool on Saturday to address our ‘Northern Powerhouse or Northern Poorhouse?’ rally.

“We hope shoppers in town will stop by to join us and listen to what the trade union and Labour movement have got to say about George Osborne’s so-called Northern Powerhouse. It certainly doesn’t feel like a Northern Powerhouse in this city.”

Also due to speak are Public and Commercial Services Union general secretary Mark Serwotka, Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield, junior doctor Will Sapwell, UNITE steel officer Bev Clarkson and Sheffield Council leader Julie Dore, among others.