Thousands protest in London over the cost of living crisis
- Text by Huck
- Photography by Aiyush Pachnanda
On Saturday (18 June), thousands of people took to the streets of London to protest the soaring cost of living in Britain in a rally organised by Trades Union Congress (TUC). The march in central London came ahead of major rail strikes now underway after talks failed to resolve a dispute over pay, job cuts and workers’ conditions.
Research by TUC showed some workers had lost almost £20,000 since 2008 because pay has not kept pace with inflation, which has now reached a 40-year-high of nine per cent. The union has called for a “decent pay rise for public sector workers” and a £15 minimum wage.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised for his response to the cost of living crisis. Inflation in Britain and across Europe has been surging, as the war in Ukraine crimped supplies of energy and food staples like wheat. But prices were already rising before the war, with Covid-19 devastating particularly those on the lowest incomes and in insecure work. Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced a £15 million package of support to help tackle the rising cost of living – but critics say that this does not go far enough.
Beginning in Portland Place, the protesters walked to Parliament Square, carrying signs which read: “end fuel poverty, insulate homes now” and “cut war not welfare”. Videos on social media saw crowds booing as they passed 10 Downing Street.
Photographer Aiyush Pachnanda was there to capture the action.
Follow Aiyush Pachnanda on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
You might like
Activists slam “pervert glasses” in new guerrilla campaign
Everyone Hates Elon — Stickers have appeared on the London Underground network, criticising the wearable technology’s covert filming capabilities.
Written by: Isaac Muk
New exhibition highlights British radical living over 200 years
Earthly Paradise — Taking place at the William Morris Gallery, it explores the homes and lives of artists, writers, musicians and more, as well as the conditions that allowed them to thrive.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters joins team of new Palestinian resistance documentary
Freedom Theatre — Directed by Rishi Pelham, the film spotlights a theatre operating in the Jenin refugee camp.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Just Stop Oil holds first protest in 17 months
No new drilling — Having previously said that it was “hanging up the hi-vis”, the climate activist group has blocked a road outside Parliament to protest Andy Burnham opening the door for new oil and gas extraction licenses in the North Sea.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: The enduring resistance of Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival of Resistance — A new photobook by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow reflects on the protest beginnings of Europe’s biggest street festival, along with the traditions keeping its original spirit alive today.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Tens of thousands gather to remember Jason Arday at London vigil
Stand Up to Racism — It took place in Trafalgar Square, with speakers paying tribute to the former Cambridge professor’s life and achievements, while calling for accountability over the reporting he faced from the mainstream press.
Written by: Ella Glossop
