Tens of thousands of people have marched through London to protest against the Government's austerity measures.

Firefighters, nurses and teachers marched alongside unemployed youngsters, anti-war activists and other campaigners in a demonstration in London, with similar events being held in Glasgow and Belfast.

Union leaders will call for a general strike to be held as soon as possible after today's protests.

Speaking at a rally in Hyde Park, leader of the Labour Party Ed Miliband addressed protesters, saying: "Andrew Mitchell may have resigned, but the culture of two nations runs right through this Government."

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said the massive turnout showed how unpopular the coalition's policies were.

He said: "We are sending a very strong message that austerity is simply failing.

"The Government is making life desperately hard for millions of people because of pay cuts for workers, while the rich are given tax cuts."

Mr Barber said the resignation of chief whip Andrew Mitchell and reports of Chancellor George Osborne travelling in a first class train carriage with a standard ticket showed how out of touch the Government was.

"The Chancellor eventually paid for his ticket, but the rest of us are paying the price for his disastrous policies."