Union leaders and stars of the screen and stage will join thousands of people at a series of protests on Saturday aimed at highlighting the impact of the cost of living crisis. Campaign group Enough is Enough is holding a national day of action, with events in more than 50 cities, towns and villages across the country.
Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Coronation Street’s Hayley Cropper, will be speaking at the Manchester rally alongside Lamin Touray, who played footballer Ashley Hardcastle on the street. Newcastle’s event has been backed by Si King, one half of the Hairy Bikers, as well as poet Tom Pickard.
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.
Mr 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.”
Mr Touray said: “I saw the Enough is Enough campaign and just thought, that’s exactly what everyone is feeling. I don’t think anyone remembers when times have been this hard. (The) Government needs to sit up and listen to the people – it can’t go on like this.”
Mr King said: “Millions of hardworking people and families across our country are being forced into poverty and utter desperation due to the cost-of-living crisis. We have a system that favours corporate power and wealth over normal people. Those in power have neither the will nor the empathy to change it.”
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.
