I went on the march in Nottingham City Centre and then to the rally in Market Square on 4th May. I understood this march to be mainly in support of services under threat by budget cuts. I helped carry a Unite Trade Union banner as I remain a member of that union, although I have retired from work.
I was dismayed the march was soon taken over by supporters of Palestine. There was a “cheerleader” using a megaphone to lead chants supporting Palestine, including “From the River to the Sea, Palestine shall be free”.
These chants, which were the majority, and the many flags, placards and banners supporting Palestine gave an impression that the march was not about saving services but about Palestine. In other words, the event was not as advertised, and far exceeded the “recognition of the crisis facing the Palestinian people in Gaza .”
I felt embarrassed about this and considered leaving the march but having agreed to help carry the Unite banner, I followed the march to its finish. Had I known that the march would feature Palestine to the extent that it did, I would not have joined the march and taken part.
I acknowledge the situation in Gaza is serious with much suffering and I hope that it is resolved peacefully soon.
Nottinghamshire Trades Council 
I went on the march in Nottingham City Centre and then to the rally in Market Square on 4th May. I understood this march to be mainly in support of services under threat by budget cuts. I helped carry a Unite Trade Union banner as I remain a member of that union, although I have retired from work.
I was dismayed the march was soon taken over by supporters of Palestine. There was a “cheerleader” using a megaphone to lead chants supporting Palestine, including “From the River to the Sea, Palestine shall be free”.
These chants, which were the majority, and the many flags, placards and banners supporting Palestine gave an impression that the march was not about saving services but about Palestine. In other words, the event was not as advertised, and far exceeded the “recognition of the crisis facing the Palestinian people in Gaza .”
I felt embarrassed about this and considered leaving the march but having agreed to help carry the Unite banner, I followed the march to its finish. Had I known that the march would feature Palestine to the extent that it did, I would not have joined the march and taken part.
I acknowledge the situation in Gaza is serious with much suffering and I hope that it is resolved peacefully soon.
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