People's Assembly Hold Cost of Living Rally

Peoples Assembly members held a rally in Glasgow’s George Square. Photo by Lucette Wood.

Hundreds gathered in George Square on Saturday afternoon to protest the rising cost of living, calling on the government to do more. The rally was organised by The People’s Assembly with events taking place throughout the UK.

Protesters braved the rain and wind to listen to many speakers including Roz Foyer, STUC's General Secretary, Tommy Sheppard MP, and Lilian Macer, UNISON Scotland Convener.

The cost of living has increased drastically over the last few months affecting food, energy and petrol with more increases still to come. National insurance contributions are set to rise in April and Ofgem (the office of gas and energy markets) announced earlier this month that they are lifting the price cap from suppliers leading to an increase of 54 percent on energy bills.

Energy prices are set to soar by 54 per cent in April. Photo by Lucette Wood.

Maggie, Social Workers Party, said: “It is disgusting the fact energy bills are increasing whilst these energy companies continue to make a profit. It’s always the poor who suffer the most. People shouldn’t have to choose between heating their homes or feeding their children.”

Tam Kirby of The People’s Assembly, addressed the crowd: “I don’t call allowing huge increases, hundreds of pounds on energy and fuel bills levelling up. It has to stop. The only way it is going to stop is for the trade union movement, local councils and local peoples assembly groups to get mobilised”.