'We are all facing the fight of our lives'
Thousands of Brits are set for the "biggest and most united" series of protests in a bid to take a stand against the growing cost of living crisis.
With energy bills soaring and the value of the "real wage" declining, Brits are understandably fed up. The government is chasing its tail and despite a promising piece of legislation from Labour, things don't look to be improving any time soon.
Enter "Can't Pay": a collective who are gathering in October to protest outside the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. Another demonstration is planned for London in November.
"As the Tory government prepares to ram through even more draconian anti-union laws to prevent workers taking action to defend themselves from 'fire-and-rehire' and the cost-of-living crisis, we are all facing the fight of our lives," said a spokesperson for the organisation.
"Millions of households are already struggling to pay for basics such as food, housing and energy. Average household energy bills are predicted rise to £4,200 a year this winter."
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They continued to list a series of other worrying circumstances, including the dreaded R word (recession) and record profits from the energy companies.
There is also the growing
"Don't Pay" movement, which is urging people to cancel their direct debits in October. As a form of civil disobedience, campaigners hope that enough people refusing to pay their energy bills will push the government towards a decision.
Amidst the numerous campaigns, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nadhim Zahawi, maintained that the government was doing everything it could.
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"I understand that times are tough, and people are worried about increases in prices that countries around the world are facing," he said.
"Although there are no easy solutions, we are helping where we can through a £37 billion support package, with further payments for those on the lowest incomes, pensioners and the disabled, and £400 off energy bills for everyone in the coming months."
He added: "Getting inflation under control is my top priority, and we are taking action through strong, independent monetary policy, responsible tax and spending decisions, and reforms to boost productivity and growth."
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