Enough is Enough: Manchester Piccadilly Gardens to host campaigners’ rally on cost of living

Cost of living crisis campaigners from Enough is Enough are returning to Manchester with an event in Piccadilly Gardens as part of a national day of action.

The organisation, which brings together trade unions, politicians and community groups to demand a better deal for ordinary people as prices and costs soar, is holding an event in Piccadilly Gardens.

There will be a number of speakers and several musicians are also scheduled to perform.

Enough is Enough events have attracted huge crowds across the country, with its first event in Manchester at the city’s cathedral packing the place of worship and people standing outside to listen.

When is the latest Enough is Enough event in Manchester and what is happening?

Enough is Enough is staging a rally in Piccadilly Gardens on Saturday 1 October at midday.

Events are taking place across the country on the day that national strike action is taking place, with unions representing postal workers and transport employees among those downing tools for better pay, conditions and job security.

The Piccadilly Gardens rally’s Facebook page lists a number of speakers, including representatives from leading trade unions including the CWU, the RMT, the GMB, Unison, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the PCS as well as community union Acorn.

There will also be a representative from the People’s Assembly, Jenni Smith who is the CEO of Salford homelessness charity Loaves and Fishes and Joe Chlebik from the 0161 Community.

Actors Julie Hesmondhalgh and Lamin Touray will also be addressing the rally.

Musical performances from Galivantes, Daniel Clarke, Tom Long, Shelli Le Fay and Tony Harper are also planned.

Enough is Enough describes the rally on its social media as “a fight for the living standards of the working class of our country”.

What does Enough is Enough want?

Enough is Enough has five main demands: a real pay rise, slashed energy bills, an end to food poverty, homes for all and heavier taxes on the rich.

It has proposed a range of policies including rent caps, universal school meals, bringing energy firms back into public ownership, better rights for renters, a wealth tax and stringent action to close tax loopholes.

Its first Manchester event at the cathedral drew backing from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as well as leading trade unionists and Labour MPs.