PICTURES: Jeremy Corbyn speaks at Labour anti-austerity rally in Matlock

Matlock's Hall Leys Park was the scene of a mass protest against the Government's austerity policies this afternoon.
Jeremy Corbyn was speaking during an anti-austerity rally in Matlock organised by the local branch of the Labour Party. Photos by Jason Chadwick.Jeremy Corbyn was speaking during an anti-austerity rally in Matlock organised by the local branch of the Labour Party. Photos by Jason Chadwick.
Jeremy Corbyn was speaking during an anti-austerity rally in Matlock organised by the local branch of the Labour Party. Photos by Jason Chadwick.

More than 250 people turned out in glorious sunshine on Tuesday to hear Labour Party speakers, including Derbyshire County Council leader Anne Western, condemn cuts to vital public services.

Politics in the Park, organised by Matlock and District Labour Party, was also delighted to have national party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, take to the podium.

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Mr Corbyn, who is currently fighting a campaign for re-election as leader, said he and supporters were holding public events in Labour strongholds and places which were yet to become so.

Supporters cheer on the speakers at the rally.Supporters cheer on the speakers at the rally.
Supporters cheer on the speakers at the rally.

He added: “I have spent a very useful afternoon with Anne Western discussing foodbanks.

“On one level, thank-you to all the people who support them and the volunteers who keep them going, but on another level, why in 21st century Britain do one million people use foodbanks every year?

“And with all the trouble that the Government cuts have caused your council, you have still built that wonderful library in Heanor.”

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Also speaking at the event, Coun Western said the council was proud to have stuck to its principles and continued to provide public services which others had not, such as home help for elderly people.

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