PROTESTERS are planning two days of action in Blackpool, targeting the Conservative Party’s spring conference on Friday and Saturday.

The actions include a noisy demonstration as Prime Minister Boris Johnson addresses the conference and a march and rally.

Northern trade union councils, union branches and campaign groups are uniting for the protests after the cancellation of a national demonstration in the Lancashire resort by the TUC because of the Ukraine crisis.

Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Trade Union Council is leading the plans backed by Salford TUC and other organisations.

In a statement, Blackpool TUC said: “Next weekend top Conservatives will be present at their spring conference in Blackpool, including the Prime Minister.

“They will try and dominate the domestic news agenda with their narrative.

“While the media and the Conservatives are in Blackpool, we will attempt to get our own ideas across, ideas which include social justice and fairness, unlike theirs.

“The Conservatives haven’t had a conference here since 2007 and it warrants a huge turnout to let them know we’re watching

“Watching as they trash our NHS, increase food-bank use, give their mates lucrative contracts, fail to deliver on any promises, ignore the refugee crisis, refuse to act on the environment, the cost-of-living crisis and so much more.”

An all-day protest will begin at 10 am on Friday in Blackpool’s St John’s Square near the conference venue, with speakers from Stand Up to Racism and environment, refugee, anti-fracking, NHS and other campaign groups.

On Saturday protesters will assemble at Comedy Carpet near Blackpool Tower at 11am to march to St John’s Square for a noisy demonstration during Mr Johnson’s speech.

Fringe events and actions such as banner drops are planned.

For more protest details visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/645083780270892

Last week the TUC cancelled its Blackpool demonstration but said that it would be mobilising trade unionists in support of a day of solidarity with Ukraine on March 15 and nationwide mobilisations for UN Anti-racism Day on March 19 and 20.

The union body said in a statement: “We will be bringing our campaign to win pay rises and a new deal for workers to a town or city near you soon and hosting a national mobilisation in London this summer.

“Dates and details to be announced soon.”