FRIDAY, August 16 marks a very poignant moment.

This date is the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre.

Thousands of people from Manchester and the surrounding towns marched upon the city, demanding fairer representation.

There were banners with messages like ‘Taxation without Representation is Unjust and Tyrannical’. It is believed 18 people lost their lives, and hundreds more were injured.

Two hundred years later, there is still very much a struggle for fair representation.

Under Britain’s First Past The Post voting system, some votes are worth more than others. This is exemplified in Warrington by Warrington South voters having more influence than those in Warrington North, due to the same party always winning in the North.

To commemorate the event, Manchester TUC will be running a rally in Albert Square, Manchester from 1pm onwards this coming Sunday. Other organisations have been invited to join the event, including Make Votes Matter (the cross-party campaign for Proportional Representation).

Prior to the rally, Make Votes Matter will be marching from Alexandra Park to Albert Square.

The march begins around 11.30am.

ANDY WATSON Bewsey