28/09/2014 Midlands Today

The arrival of the Prime Minister and the Conservative

party conference in Birmingham has prompted a demonstration ag`inst the

austerity cuts. Hundreds of people from across the region marched

through the city to highlight what they call the cost of living crisis

affecting ordinary working people. Here's Joan Cummins.

We just want a decent life, a pay rise and to be able to live in our

communities in a fair way. The unions say they are simply trying to

persuade the government to rethink their austerity measures. Wd are

asking for the ability to fded our kids, have a decent life. It's not a

lot to ask for. This is the first of many demonstrations planned by the

joint unions. They say they are determined that their voices will be

heard. Austerity is not the answer. We need an alternative. I'm not

interested in these million`ire guys. They know nothing abott our

lives. We are poor here. Thdre are billions and billions in unpaid tax

which would more than cover the deficit in a couple of years. It is

ordinary people paying for the mistakes. David Cameron will use the

Birmingham conference to galvanise the party faithful for the general

election battle next year. Outside, with industrial action planned in

public sector next month, there are growing signs that he may h`ve a

fight on his hands. The delegates tend to be in their

own little bubble. They havd lots of tea and coffee. The people H've been

talking to, most of them didn't know what was happening. If you people

had heard about this demonstration comedies and T austerity protests.

They certainly don't agree with the sentiment of it. One gentlelan said

's rights to voice their ophnion but they are committing the information,

things like manufacturing exports are wrapped and that there `re more

private`sector jobs in the Lidlands. There was a suggestion this could be

the last major party conferdnce in Birmingham for some time but the

stories seem to like it herd. `` the Tories.

We had heard that these events had gone off the boil. But what we've

heard from the Conservatives today is that they are coming back in

2016, 2018 and 2020. That is a big deal for Birmingham.

football, West Brom beat Burnley 4`0, Saido Berahino scored

twice as Albion recorded thdir third victory of the week. In the

Championship Wolves looked to have grabbed a late winner at Re`ding

when Dave Edwards scored with just five minutes remaining. But the home

side hit back to share the points in a 3`3 draw.

One rugby result in the Championship, Moseley lost 29`1

against the Cornish Pirates. 50 years ago today Midlands Today

transmitted its very first programme. Since then we've been

bringing you the news from `ll around the region, broadcasting to

To celebrate our anniversary we've been

trawling through the archivds. All this week, we're looking back

over 50 years of Midlands Today From Veteran Broadcaster Tol Coyne.

We've covered everything from acts of terrorism, 21 people werd killed

in the Birmingham Pub bombings to protests, here there's outcry to

We'll have all this and more at 6.30pm, evdry

this week. And Mary will be joined by Nick Owen

to bring you a very special edition of Midlands Today at 6.30pm

tomorrow evening. Let's take a check on the wdather

Tonight, it looks as though we are in for a mainly dry night. Puite a

cloudy one. Very, very mild temperatures at around 12 or 13

Celsius. As for tomorrow, there is some rain around and some qtite

persistent times as well,