THOUSANDS of people are expected to flock to George Square this weekend as part of a campaign calling for the scrapping of the Trident nuclear programme.

MSPs Patrick Harvie and Sandra White and STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham will join speakers against poverty and for welfare, disability rights and pensions.

They will also take part in a march which leaves George Square at 10.45am on Saturday and travels along St Vincent Street, Renfield Street, Argyle Street, Queen Street, Ingram Street and South Frederick Street back to George Square.

Susan Archibald, disability rights campaigner and founder of The Archibald Foundation, said: "I am pleased the Scrap Trident Coalition is taking a stance to defend disability rights.

"The money saved from scrapping Trident could cushion the blow for everyone affected by welfare reform.

"So much work is needed now in local communities as the most vulnerable people and their families are under attack.

"If the Government invested in housing, rather than spending £100 billion on Trident, thousands of young people could learn a trade and be paid.

"This would also provide more social housing, relieving the problem caused by successive governments not building houses."

Hundreds of activists are expected to stay in the city for workshops on Sunday before heading to Faslane Naval Base early on Monday for a blockade.

Their aim is to shut the nuclear weapon base down for the day.

Organisers say they expect 500 people to take part causing traffic chaos between Helensburgh and Faslane.

The Scrap Trident Coalition involves Scottish CND, the Green Party and Scottish Socialist Party and Faslane peace camp.