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NHS cuts protest in Manchester: Thousands join march NHS cuts protest in Manchester: 50,000 join march
(about 3 hours later)
Thousands taking part in a union protest against austerity cuts and NHS changes ahead of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. About 50,000 are taking part in a union protest against austerity cuts and NHS changes during the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.
The march, which set off from Liverpool Road at 12:15 BST, is passing through the city centre and ending with speeches in Whitworth Park. The march, which set off from Liverpool Road at 12:15 BST, passed through the city centre and is ending with speeches in Whitworth Park.
It will be addressed by union leaders, with musicians also performing. The TUC said up to 40,000 people were expected. Greater Manchester Police described it as was one of the largest protests they had ever policed.
A TUC spokesman said it was intended to be a "family-friendly event". The 2013 Conservative Party Conference started earlier at Manchester Central.
The 2013 Conservative Party Conference is due to start at 14:00 at Manchester Central.
'Devastating effect''Devastating effect'
Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary, said beforehand: "The march and rally will allow thousands of ordinary people to show the government exactly what they think of their policies.Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary, said beforehand: "The march and rally will allow thousands of ordinary people to show the government exactly what they think of their policies.
"Austerity is having a devastating effect on our communities and services, with 21,000 NHS jobs lost over the last three months alone."Austerity is having a devastating effect on our communities and services, with 21,000 NHS jobs lost over the last three months alone.
"The NHS is one of Britain's finest achievements and we will not allow ministers to destroy, through cuts and privatisation, what has taken generations to build.""The NHS is one of Britain's finest achievements and we will not allow ministers to destroy, through cuts and privatisation, what has taken generations to build."
A Department of Health spokeswoman said there was "absolutely no government policy to privatise NHS services".A Department of Health spokeswoman said there was "absolutely no government policy to privatise NHS services".
She said: "The NHS will stay free for everyone, but it's right that patients should get the best service - regardless of who provides it.She said: "The NHS will stay free for everyone, but it's right that patients should get the best service - regardless of who provides it.
"Charities, social enterprises and independent providers play an important part in providing NHS care - and have done for many years - helping give patients more choice of where and how they are treated.""Charities, social enterprises and independent providers play an important part in providing NHS care - and have done for many years - helping give patients more choice of where and how they are treated."
Greater Manchester Police has warned any trouble in the city centre will be "swiftly dealt with". Greater Manchester Police added no arrests had been made.
Ch Supt John O'Hare said: "Along with Manchester City Council, we have been working closely with the organisers to facilitate this demonstration while minimising disruption to people working, visiting or living in the city centre".
Several road closures are in place, with a revised Metrolink service running during the protest.Several road closures are in place, with a revised Metrolink service running during the protest.