LIVERPOOL’S Anglican Cathedral is to play host to a political rally for the first time.
It will turn its aisles over to protests against Government spending cuts and will also see veteran left-winger Tony Benn address the crowds.
While the church insisted it has no political bias, it said it had a “deep Biblical interest” in social justice.
It is thought up to 1,500 people could attend the event, organised by the Merseyside Trades Union Council. It will take place at the end of a march from the town hall due to begin around 12.30pm on Saturday.
Organiser Alec McFadden said the attendance of 86-year-old Mr Benn had inspired a number of older campaigners to join the rally.
He added: “I’ve been inundated with calls from other people in their 80s who intend to go to the cathedral but not take part in the march. We also expect a large number of students.”
Mr McFadden said staging the rally at the cathedral was “unprecedented”. He added: “I’ve done some things in my life, but it’s the first time to my knowledge that there’s been a rally there.
“For me the church’s attitude is the same as the trade unions.
“Basically, we are all seeing what’s happening to ordinary people, they’re being discriminated against and this is going to lead to an increase in poverty and child poverty, which the church are totally opposed to.”
