Tens of thousands take to the streets in nationwide protests over cost-of-living

OVER 100,000 people took to the streets across Britain on Saturday, demonstrating against the cost-of-living crisis in what organisers have described as the biggest wave of co-ordinated protests to sweep the nation in years.

Rallies organised by the Enough is Enough campaign were held in over 50 towns and cities, including London, Glasgow, Brighton, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff and Aberdeen.

The protests, timed to coincide with a further jump in gas and electricity prices, came as tens of thousands of postal and rail workers walked out over poor pay and conditions.

In London, protesters rallied outside King’s Cross station on Saturday in support of striking rail workers. Addressing the demonstration, RMT assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We live in a country where … energy companies are taking billions off of us and £150 billion more is given to them by this government.”

The Tories are offering tax cuts for the rich while the poor are expected to tighten their belts, he stormed, adding: “We’re saying enough is enough — we are not going to put up with this anymore!

“This is the sixth richest economy on the planet, it does not have to be like this.”

Enough is Enough, a new campaign founded by trade unions and community organisations, is demanding pay rises for workers, a reduction in energy bills and a tax on the rich.

Don’t Pay UK rallies were also held across the country on Saturday, attended by protesters who’ve pledged to join a utility bill strike.

Activists burnt their energy bills at rallies in protest at soaring gas and energy prices, which they say will leave millions of people struggling to keep their head above water.

Jamie, from Don’t Pay Bradford, said: “We refuse to freeze in our homes while energy companies make billions.”