A NUMBER of political groups in Bolton will join together to protest the local impacts of racism and austerity.

The Bolton Yellow Vest Protest will see large crowds of people in high-visibility jackets gather at 12.30pm on Saturday, January 19, in Victoria Square in association with other rallies organised by The People's Assembly.

Leila Hassan and Sasha Roper are part of Stand Up To Racism Bolton, the group which is organising the rally. They take inspiration from the 'yellow vest' protests in France which have seen hundreds of thousands of people march against austerity policies in Paris.

Ms Hassan said: “The movement in France is primarily about the devastating effect of austerity measures that government’s have imposed on ordinary people. It’s been really positive and amazing there and there and we are seeing the same funding cuts and problems here in Britain.”

She also said the rally would help raise awareness of the increasing issue of racism in the UK. Adding: "Overall there’s been an increase in the level of racism that’s been experienced by people, especially Muslims. The far right have really targeted Muslims and I think this government’s policies have created a hostile environment for refugees and migrants.”

Stand Up To Racism will be supported at the rally by the Stop The War Coalition, Bolton Against The Bedroom Tax and Bolton Save Our NHS.

Alan Johnson, who represents the Save Our NHS group, said: "The NHS, like other public services, has suffered greatly under this government.

"The Tories cut £22bn from the NHS and the money that they are putting into it is simply not enough. While we are concerned about the NHS nationally, our group focuses on what’s happening in Bolton. We realise that it’s not just the fault of the CCG or the local NHS, it comes from the government."

Despite originating as an anti-austerity symbol in Europe, the yellow vests have been worn by UK protestors, including far-right groups campaigning for Brexit. However, Mr Johnson says the Bolton rally aims to be closer to the French rallies.

He said: "The far right who are using yellow vests are a small group, they in no way represent the movement. It a few people wear the vests that doesn’t mean it belongs to them."