Clean Start: Put People First
Jobs, Justice, Climate
- Put People First: Decent jobs and public services for all
- Put People First: End global poverty and inequality
- Put People First: Build a green economy
A new movement was born on 28 March 2009, as 35,000 people marched through London calling on leaders for an economy that delivers decent jobs and public services for all, an end to global poverty and inequality, and a green economy.
Read the Put People First policy demands
At a rally in Hyde Park, we were addressed by TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber, environmentalist Tony Juniper and comedian Mark Thomas amongst others. We heard calls for international action to deliver tax justice, trade justice and a Green New Deal in rich and poor countries.
Members of Put People First – an alliance of more than 150 unions, development and environment groups – with New Internationalist as media partner – are united in calling on the G20 leaders to recognise that only just, fair and sustainable policies can lead the world out of recession. This coalition believes that a return to ‘business as usual’ - with the associated poverty, inequality and climate change - is not an option.
Delegations joined the march from around the world, including France, Germany, Hungary, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Korea, USA, Australia, South Africa, Zambia, Canada and the Philippines.
The day’s march is not the end of the campaign, but the start. The UK holds the chair of the G20 group for the rest of 2009 when the G8, the G20 and the United Nations all meet to chart a way through the recession. And 2009 ends with the vital Copenhagen climate conference.
These are real opportunities to win substantial change for poor people and the environment that Put People First will use to advance the call for an economy that works for secure jobs, global justice and a safe climate.