Tens of thousands of people in Britain took part in a march called "The March for the Alternative" in London on Saturday against UK government spending cuts.

Protesters hold banners during a protest organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), called "The March for the Alternative," in central London March 26, 2011. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Union leaders and police said over 250,000 people joined the biggest demonstration in the capital since protests against war in Iraq in 2003.

Shouting "No cuts", teachers, lecturers, nurses, librarians, ambulance technicians, grandparents, and children want to ask the government to think again about the £81billion axe they are taking to the nation's public services.

Many banners also called on the government to "Leave Libya Alone", with some read "Cut war not welfare".

Protesters hold banners during a protest organised by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), called "The March for the Alternative," in central London March 26, 2011. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]