Tony Benn - tribute from Mike Kirby, UNISON Scotland

14 March 2014

UNISON Scottish Secretary, Mike Kirby said:

"We have lost a true friend.

"Tony Benn was always a stalwart defender of public services and the rights of the workers of who provide them.

"An abiding memory for many of us will be his speech at the STUC’s ’People First’ March in October 2011.  After marching through Glasgow in the worst rain imaginable,  Benn gave a marvellous spirit-lifting address. It was a short speech but it contained all of the elements that made him such a great campaigner - the historical grasp, the wit, the commitment to democracy and the unshakeable belief that working together we can change the world we live in.

"This is a sad day - but over the course of a long life was Tony Benn was and will remain an inspiring figure."

15,000 of the 'real big society' brave the rain to say 'Put People First'

15,000 hardy souls braved torrential rain to demonstrate in Glasgow on 1 October to demand the Government 'puts people first' through a redistribution of wealth across Scotland through fair taxes and living wage jobs and protection for the hardest hit through decent services and fair benefits.

Faith, equality, anti-poverty and trade union groups across Scotland came together to campaign for the alternative to cuts and to say 'there is a better way'.

Ex government minister and veteran campaigner Tony Benn addressed the rally and slammed the excesses of the bankers while working people were being forced to 'pay the cost'.

Calling for 'dignity' for working people, Tony praised the spirit of the march and rally. With that spirit and with so many young people turning out, Tony told the rally 'We will win!".

UNISON Scottish Secretary Mike Kirby, this year's STUC President, praised the trade unions, community groups, faith groups and wider public who had braved the rain to turn out in their thousands. "You are the real big Society", Mike told them.

More photos on the website at http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/publicworks/1oct.html