National coalition of charities, churches, and unions calls for bold political action to tackle poverty and inequality ahead of October march.
In a bold call for systemic change, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland has joined a powerful coalition of charities, trade unions, and civic groups to launch the ‘Scotland Demands Better’ campaign—a nationwide movement urging politicians to take decisive action to create a fairer, more compassionate society.
The campaign, coordinated by The Poverty Alliance and endorsed by the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly, was formally launched this week and will culminate in a family-friendly mass march in Edinburgh on Saturday, October 25.
“A Call to Act Justly and Love Mercy”
Speaking at the launch, Rt Rev Rosie Frew, the Church’s Moderator, rooted the campaign’s mission in moral and theological terms.
“The Bible calls on us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly,” she said. “The Church is determined to be visible and vocal about the injustice and oppression that is happening around us.”
She confirmed that presbyteries and congregations across Scotland would be mobilising for the October march, joining the call for compassion and justice to be embedded in public life.
What the Campaign Demands
At its heart, ‘Scotland Demands Better’ calls for a fundamental reimagining of how Scotland supports its people, centred around three core demands:
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Better jobs for everyone who needs one, with fair wages and decent working conditions.
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Better investment in life’s essentials—affordable housing, reliable public transport, a healthy environment, and well-funded public services.
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Better social security that provides stability and dignity for everyone.
The campaign speaks to the rising frustration felt across Scottish communities as poverty levels remain stubbornly high—with one in five people still living in poverty, despite a range of policy initiatives over recent years.
Broad Coalition of Support
The movement has already drawn backing from across Scottish civil society. Alongside the Church of Scotland, high-profile supporters include:
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Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
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Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC)
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Justice & Peace Scotland
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Oxfam Scotland
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation
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Citizens Advice Scotland
Many local charities, housing advocates, food banks, and social justice organisations have also pledged to get involved.
A Rallying Cry from the Grassroots
Peter Kelly, Chief Executive of the Poverty Alliance, said the campaign aims to galvanise a country worn thin by economic strain and inequality.
“Change for the better happens when people stand together and demand it. Scotland desperately needs that change.”
He painted a stark picture of everyday life for many Scots:
“Too many of us are being cut off from life’s essentials. Too many are frightened of what the future will bring. Too many are feeling tired, angry, isolated, and disillusioned. Too many are without a home, or sacrificing meals for their families, dreading winter due to heating costs, or struggling to get by on wages that don’t cover their household costs.”
Kelly acknowledged recent progress but said it fell short of what’s needed:
“There has been some welcome action from politicians, but it can’t be right that one in five of us are still living in poverty. It’s time for organisations across Scotland to come together and show our political leaders that we demand the fundamental changes and investment that will lead to a better future for all of us.”
Building Momentum to October
The ‘Scotland Demands Better’ march in Edinburgh on 25 October is expected to draw thousands, including faith groups, trade unionists, activists, and families. It aims to be a peaceful and inclusive event, welcoming people from all walks of life to raise their voices for change.
Organisers are encouraging people to get involved now through community events, letter-writing campaigns, and local advocacy, building pressure in advance of what they hope will be one of the largest civic demonstrations in recent Scottish history.
