Thousands head to London to rally against spending cuts
Thousands of people from across the West are heading to the Capital for a march and rally against the Government's austerity policies.
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Who are the English Defence League?
Bristol is bracing itself for one of the most controversial political rallies of recent years. On Saturday the anti-Islamic English Defence League will march through part of the centre.
The route has been agreed with police, but opponents are planning a counter-demonstration and there are fears it could all overshadow the Gay Pride festival taking place nearby.
But who are the English Defence League? Their critics accuse them of being racists - something they deny. Our Politcal Correspondent Bob Constantine reports.
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Petition calls for English Defence League march ban
A petition of more than 2,000 signatures is to be presented to Bristol City Council this evening, calling for a march by the English Defence League to be banned. The EDL denies any racist and far-right connections.
It says it has co-operated fully with the authorities to cause as little disruption as possible. The campaigners say similar marches in Luton and Telford have been stopped and want councillors to ask the Home Secretary to halt it. The march is due to be held in the city on Saturday 14th July.
Police officers take to the streets over budget cuts
Thousands of police officers took to the streets of London today, many from our region, to protest about how budget cuts are directly affecting them.
They say cuts will mean a loss of front-line services.
The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire, Tony Melville, who's resigning over government changes to the police service, was at today's march and spoke to officers before it began.
Our political correspondent Bob Constantine has been following events in the capital:
Police being 'picked on' over cuts to pay and pensions
Ian Anderson from Gloucestershire Police Federation says that while they understand police have to take a hit with pensions and pay, but feels that the police are being hit harder than other public sector workers:
Thousands join police demonstration
Clive Chamberlain from Dorset Police Federation is among those taking part in the march. Officers from every police force in the country are taking part in the protest in London.
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West police officers prepare for march
Police officers and staff from the Westcountry have arrived in London for a protest march. Police forces across the region are campaigning against budget cuts. The march is about to start.
Police protest against cuts
by Bob Constantine
Police will march in London today in protest over pay
Read the full storyChief Constable of Gloucestershire to join protest march
The Chief Constable of Gloucestershire will join thousands of officers at a protest march in London today.
Tony Melville, who is resigning over budget cuts, has taken a day off to take part.
The march, similar to this one in 2008, is in protest at cuts to force budgets and proposed changes in terms and conditions. Off-duty officers from across the region, inlcuding two hundred from Dorset, will also be there.
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