Thousands of people took part in the nationwide protests.  Dozens of unions from across the north have joined forces to “demand effective action from the government” on rising living costs – with many complaining that Rishi Sunak’s spring statement last week did not go far enough to help those in need. .

The protesters called on the government to take action to help reduce the cost of living crisis. It comes after the energy price cap was lifted, with average bills rising by 54 per cent for households across the UK. Rising energy bills are expected to increase by 3 693 a year for those with pre-selected bills, and many say they find it difficult to choose between feeding and paying bills. Today’s protesters also protested the loss of 800 P&O Ferries employees. People gather in Manchester to protest (Image: Adam Vaughan) It is not possible to “completely cancel” the pressures on energy prices, said in the meantime a minister of the cabinet. However, Northern Ireland Minister Brandon Lewis said the government “sees… in general what we do with public money” and “will offer the support we can, as and when we can” to ease the sting of rising prices. Speaking to Sky News, Lewis said the government could not “completely undo” the effects of global pressure on energy prices, but ministers would take supportive measures where possible. Read more related articles Read more related articles “I know, even this week, where I live, we have oil heating, I have seen this change directly in the price of oil – and actually the ability to get it,” he said. “At home, my family went a few days where we had no oil, just waiting for suppliers and seeing the huge price increase in it. “We can not completely cancel the impact of global markets and global pressure, for example, on energy, which is obviously the main focus right now for most people. But we will give the support we can, as much as we can, as I say, look… in general what we do with the public money “. Check out the live coverage of the Manchester demonstration on the live blog below …