Protesters fought running battles with police in Spain during a general strike whilst Trade unionists and campaigners from across Europe joined the huge protest in Brussels called against austerity.

Spain has been gripped by a 24-hour general strike against the government’s plans to slash its budget. Thousands of passengers were left stranded in Madrid with two thirds of flights grounded due the actions by transport workers. A wave of anti-austerity demonstrations is expected all over Europe with tens of thousands marching on Brussels.