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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sarah Vesty & Lynn Love

Cost of living crisis demo in Glasgow as protesters blast 'appalling' price hike

Dozens of protesters have gathered in Glasgow to voice their fury at the soaring cost of living in Scotland.

Several trade unions, including the STUC, issued a rally call to members of the public to join them in George Square on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the gathering, the STUC posted on Facebook to say they event would also raise awareness of the P&O workers sacking scandal that saw nearly 800 staff let go last month.

Around 100 people have gathered in the city centre square, with many holding banners and flags.

Demonstrators hold up a Unite Union banner in Glasgow (Daily Record)

One person held a sign up which read: "Freeze prices, not the poor".

A number of speakers addressed the crowd from a platform about the cost of living crisis.

Speaking to the Record from the scene, Jane and Geffrey Greenwod, from Dumfries and Galloway, hit out at the "appalling" situation.

Jane said: "The situation is absolutely appalling and disgusting. My mum is 96, she’s a single pensioner and her gas and electricity bill has doubled.

"She’s so disappointed and upset at the whole situation.

"And all the government can offer is a £200 loan. When do they suggest people pay that back? When will they be able to afford it?

"The amount of money the government wasted on covid is ridiculous. They should be ashamed of themselves.

"There is no forward planning. Nobody knows what to expect. It’s worrying."

Jane and Geffrey Greenwod, from Dumfries and Galloway (Daily Record)

While Leanne, from Dumchapel, is daughter Samantha's full-time carer and fears the impact extra bills will have on her family.

She said: "“The situation is stressing me out. I’m so worried about how these extra bills are going to affect my family. I’m Samantha’s full time carer.

"She has severe autism and depends on me fully. Because of her condition we have a lot of washing.

"I use my machine 2-3 times per day. Will I still be able to do this? I need to wash stuff for her constantly because of her illness. Things I took for granted is now going to be a ‘luxury’ to do.

Leanne with daughter Samantha (Daily Record)

"My gas and electricity has went up to £165 a month.

"This is eating away at the disposable income I have for clothes, food etc. I know there is people a lot of worse off than me, but I can’t help but worry about what’s to come.”

The demonstration comes as energy bills are set to skyrocket with the price cap increased by £693 to £1791 after Ofgem hiked it up from April 1.

The People’s Assembly have also urged the public to “get out onto the streets to send a clear message to the government that we refuse to pay for their crisis.”

Similar protests are being held at various locations across the UK as part of the day of action.

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