The People's Assembly Scotland was launched at a standing room-only rally in Glasgow on Saturday with passionate anti-austerity speeches from trade union, political and community leaders activists.

Chairman Phil McGarry set out an agenda around the six demands of the People's Charter: a fair economy, more and better jobs, decent homes, safe and improved public services, fairness and justice and a better future for all.

He appealed for unity across the working-class movement: "No matter what the outcome of September's referendum is, we still have a formidable battle on our hands to win a more progressive Scotland."

Actor and activist Ricky Tomlinson laid into the Con-Dem government to loud cheers.

"Austerity is all about cuts, cuts, cuts - and stuff the working class," he said.

"If Portugal, Spain, Italy, France and everywhere else is broke - and we are too - who do we all owe the money to? Wonga.com? Of course we know - it's the greedy bankers. We should tell them to f*** off, we're not f***ing paying you!"

Labour MSP Elaine Smith said she respected those on the left who want independence because they believe we will get the kind of society we aspire to.

"We don't need constitutional change to achieve that - we need political change," she insisted.

"But frankly it's refreshing to come together and put our constitutional differences aside to fight back against austerity."

Scottish National MSP Christina McKelvie agreed: "There is always more than one future and you have the right to fight for a better future whether you believe in independence or the union or devo max."

Coalition of Resistance Glasgow's Cat Boyd argued for demonstrations at the Scottish Tory conference in March while Raymond Mennie of the Dundee People's Assembly called for a rolling programme of activity around the demands of the People's Charter.

Marion Nisbet of the Anti-Bedroom Tax Federation joked that she was a "proud member of the Judaean People's Front" but called for unity.

Further People's Assembly Scotland meetings are planned for February 15 and March 29 to establish a committee and co-ordinate future action.