Thousands of young people to march through Glasgow in climate strike

Greta Thunberg will lead other activists in the demonstration before speaking to the crowds.

Thousands of young people to march through Glasgow in climate strike STV News

Youth activists are taking to the streets of Glasgow to demand leaders and politicians tackle climate change during COP26.

Campaigners Greta Thunberg and Vanessa Nakate will join local trade unionists speaking to crowds at the end of the march through the city where the UN summit is being held.

Around 8000 people are expected to take part but Glasgow City Council said numbers could be even higher.

The march is organised by Fridays for Future Scotland, and sets off at 11am from Kelvingrove Park heading to George Square.

GCC

Speakers will then address those gathered from a stage from 1pm.

It comes as the COP26 talks on Friday consider the voices of young people and education in climate action.

Ms Thunberg has been critical of the two-week conference, calling it the most “excluding COP ever” and labelling it a “two week celebration of business as usual and blah blah blah”.

Police Scotland assistance chief constable Gary Ritchie said Friday will see one of the biggest marches with thousands converging on Glasgow.

“We have been working very closely with organisers of (Friday’s) youth march and are very encouraged by the high level of engagement to help deliver a safe event,” he said.

ACC Ritchie described it as a “family event” and said the force was looking forward to engaging with organisers in “what is an amazing event with the eyes of the world on us all”.

He warned that roads, public transports and city streets will be busier and asked people to plan ahead.

On Friday, UK education secretary Nadhim Zahawi will set out a series of measures designed to put climate change at the heart of education in England a speech at COP26.

He will then host a panel session with education ministers from around the world.

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