Chipping Norton's Labour Party support TUC's cost-of-living crisis protest

Councillors in Chipping Norton showed their support for a national demonstration, by hosting their own in the Cotswold town.

The move came as the Trades Union Congress took to the streets of London on Saturday to demand action from the Government to combat the cost-of-living crisis, as well as a new deal for working people and a pay rise for all workers. 

“When working families are having to make a choice between putting food on the table or paying energy bills or rent, something is clearly very wrong,” said recently elected councillor Steve Akers.

“This should not be happening in one of the richest economies in the world. Britain deserves better; Britain deserves a pay rise.”

Town Councillors Steve Akers and David Heyes join County Councillor Geoff Saul in demanding increased pay amid the cost-of-living crisis

Mr Akers added: “If the Tories will not address the cost of living crisis, then the Labour Party will.

“That's why we staged our own event in support of the TUC  event yesterday and its why we support local initiatives, like the Chippy Larder, that are supporting people to help make ends meet.”

Meeting in the centre of Chipping Norton at Saturday lunchtime, the local Labour group handed out hundreds of leaflets.

Meanwhile, in London, thousands joined the march organised by the TUC, which says that research suggests workers have lost almost £20,000 since 2008 as pay failed to keep pace with inflation.

Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC was met with applause and cheers as she gave a speech criticising the Transport Secretary and the Prime Minister.

She said: “I have seen the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has threatened rail workers that they will strike themselves out of a job.

“Well you are wrong Mr Shapps: if you keep stirring, come the next election, you will be out of a job.”

Pictured L to R: Member John Ryall, Town Councillors Steve Akers and David Heyes, County Councillor Geoff Saul, CNLP secretary Sue Richards and supporter Marc Lambert

Ms O’Grady, who marched with Labour Party deputy leader Angela Rayner, added: “Let me say this to Boris Johnson, don’t you dare shift the blame for inflation onto working people.

“Don’t you dare, not after a decade of austerity, privatisation and pay cuts.

“Don’t you dare tell working families we have to put up with more pain.

“It is time to raise taxes on wealth not workers.”

The protest came ahead of a planned strike by more than 50,000 railway workers, which begins on Tuesday, June 21.

Unison members and members of the public take part in a TUC national demonstration in central London to demand action on the cost of living, a new deal for working people and a pay rise for all workers (PA Wire)