The North Herts People’s Assembly are calling for as many people as possible from Hitchin and other parts in our area to join them as part of a ‘one-in-a-generation’ nationwide march against austerity through London.

Organisers of Saturday’s ‘No More Austerity’ march – which starts at 12 noon at the BBC’s Broadcasting House, before moving on to Parliament Square – are hoping for around half a million protesters from across the nation.

Martin Burke of the North Herts branch has issued an open invitation for people to join him and his colleagues on their trip to the capital to join the demonstration.

Martin, from Hitchin, told the Comet: “If you are appalled by a government that clings to power at any cost – spending £1.5 billion of our money – and puts us all at great risk in the process, then perhaps you’re compelled to go to what will be the biggest demonstration in a generation, with the potential to put a final nail in the coffin of a heinous and immoral programme of austerity.

“Some of us are meeting to go on the 10.30am train from Hitchin station. We will be the ones in loud clothes and carrying banners – my question to people in the area is ‘do you want to be one too?’”

The group are also encouraging voters to contact the Hitchin and Harpenden constituency’s new Conservative MP, Bim Afolami, to arrange an appointment at his first official Hitchin surgery after his election on June 8.

Mr Afolami has his initial Hitchin surgery at Westmill Community Centre on Friday, July 21, between 3pm and 6pm – and has encouraged people to use their democratic right to book an appointment to speak with him on that date.

Mr Burke said: “As constituents of Hitchin and Harpenden, we would like to know why he voted for the cap on public pay to remain while his party hands over £1 billion of our money to buy power.

“We would also like his explanation as to why the Tory benches cheered as this real-terms cut in wages was announced for people on the front line.”