Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Carla Jenkins

Glasgow George Square cost of living protest to take place this weekend

A protest at the rise of the cost of living will take part in Glasgow's George Square this weekend.

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and People's Assembly have called for the rally at George Square on Saturday April May 2 to protest at the lifting of the energy cap.

The STUC and People's Assembly are have said that energy prices in Scotland could soar over 54%, potentially plunging an estimate of 211,000 homes across the country and raising energy costs by almost £700 per year.

The news comes as inflation across the UK is set to hit 8% this month in addition to the UK Government’s rise in national insurance contributions.

The Chair of the People's Assembly has said the decision to lift the cap "was a political choice, one that punishes the poorest and most in need."

Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “Workers across Scotland are at the cutting edge of the most sustained threat to their incomes not seen for generations.

“In a cost-of-living crisis – which targets our most deprived and our most in need – we must respond with action. This crisis wasn’t made by those at the bottom. They shouldn’t be paying for the inactions of those at the top.

“Alongside the People’s Assembly, and other civic organisations throughout Scotland, we’ll be in George Square on Saturday leading the charge against this blatant attack on working people.

Rose Jackson Chairperson of the Scottish Pensioners Forum added: “As the cost of living continues to surge to record highs, how can ordinary people be expected to put food on their tables and heat their homes with prices spiralling out of control.’

“Pensioners have no way of increasing their income which is well below the UK Government’s own poverty level - this abhorrent oversight by the UK Government to help those most in need is nothing short of shameful’.

“Pensioner poverty is real and this cost-of-living crisis means its only set to get worse. The workers of today are the pensioners of tomorrow and we must work together to fight against this continued attack on our class.

Chair of the People’s Assembly Scotland Phil McGarry: “The current crisis finds its roots in the UK Government’s abject failure to control inflation, cap energy market, tackle fuel poverty and increase wages.

“This was a political choice, one that punishes the poorest and most in need. We’re demonstrating in Glasgow – and across the UK – to send a clear message that those who can’t pay won’t pay for a crisis not of their making".

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.