MORE than 100 people crowded into Guildhall Square today to demand change from the government.

It was part of the national Enough is Enough movement, with protests all over the country on October 1.

On the day the new energy cap rise comes into force, meaning energy bills for a typical household will hit £2,500, protesters were calling to an end to the cost of living crisis.

They held placards with 'Tories Out!' written on them, and sang Italian anti-fascist anthem Bella Ciao and an anti-fracking song.

Their list of five demands were a real pay rise, a cut to energy bills, an end to food poverty, decent homes for all, and taxes for the rich.

Read more: Energy price cap rises today – here’s everything you need to know

The movement is backed by the Communication Workers Union, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), socialist magazine Tribune, and Union for the Community ACORN.

They called for an end to the Conservative government, and a general election to be held with the possibility for change.

Member of the Socialist Party in Southampton, Nick Chaffey, said: "We need to ensure that there is a pay rise for all, that the maximum pressure can be put on the government."

RMT member Declan Clune said the event was off the back of the rising cost of living, and that many are struggling with rising energy costs.

He told the Echo that he stands in solidarity with those striking: "We want to support the strikes and support the call for nationalisation.

"And if Labour won't to that, we want candidates who will stand for working people.

"We want to see the end of children who are going to school without food, struggling families.

"It has to be a socialist government that represents them."

Read more: The most and least expensive kitchen appliances to run revealed

Julie Hope, organiser of the event, was formerly a New Forest candidate for Labour, but has since left the party.

She said: "I think so many people in this country at the moment are so desperate to have some hope."

She added that 50,000 people had joined the Enough is Enough movement in the last few months.

"We have five demands and just want to provide a challenge to the government, and show that the working classes will stand up and be counted."

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