Thousands to take part in 'Enough is Enough' protests today
The protests today are aimed at highlighting the impact of the cost-of-living crisis
Last updated 1st Oct 2022
Protests are happening in Bristol as part of a national day of action on the cost of living crisis.
This begins at midday near Temple Meads Station.
Union leaders and stars of the screen and stage will join thousands of people at the series of protests.
Campaign group Enough is Enough is holding a national day of action, with events across the country including in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Newcastle, Hull, Norwich, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Bristol.
Award-winning comedian Rob Delaney will join the Rail Maritime and Transport union’s Mick Lynch and Dave Ward of the Communication Workers Union, at the London event.
Rob Delaney said: “Does a chief executive need an extra zero at the end of their salary, or should nurses, posties and teachers be able to heat their homes this winter? Enough is enough.”
The protests will coincide with picket lines being mounted by railway workers outside major stations across the country as part of the latest strike in the long running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.
The price of energy has gone up incredibly as the cost of living crisis hit, with the gas price spike caused largely by the war in Ukraine. The price cap - which is set by an independent regulator to help offset costs onto customers - was set to rise to £3,549 for an average home in October but a price freeze from the government restricted the typical bill to £2,500. That's still an increase of 27% from the previous energy cap and as it's a cap on unit cost, the more energy you use the higher your bill will be.
To try and minimise damage for the average household, the Bank of England raised interest rates to 2.5% in September 2022. Those saving money would earn more interest on their finances, whilst those paying mortgages would pay more interest to the bank. Inflation also soared to 8.2% in July 2022, the highest rate since March 1991.