A SOUTHAMPTON campaigner has warned "lives will be lost" this winter if something isn't done to tackle the cost of living crisis.

"It's just outrageous," said Helen Field, chair of Southampton Unite Community.

"People literally cannot afford it."

Her warning comes after a series of protests were held all over the country on Saturday, including Southampton, to tell the government 'enough is enough'.

READ MORE: More than 100 protesters say 'enough is enough' as energy bills rise

Helen, a retired teacher, called for policies that take care of poorer people, by raising benefits and pensions in line with inflation.

She also called for the nationalisation of the energy sector, which other European governments are moving to do, and a windfall tax on energy companies.

"The government needs to increase old age pensions and benefits. It needs to be put up at least at the rate of inflation," she told the Echo.

"A lot of people (at the Enough is Enough protest) were feeling very anxious.

"There's going to be lives lost this winter."

The 68-year-old from Totton said her main concern are people on key meters, whose supply cuts out when they cannot afford to top up.

"We are supporting all the strikes that are going on. That's the only opposition to government policies at the moment. I can't see any political parties or movement saying that policies need to change.

"If (the government) wanted to help poor people, they would put up benefits."

READ MORE: How energy companies will pay you £400 energy bill discount

Well over 100 people protested against rising costs outside the Guildhall in the city on Saturday.

The rally coincided with the new energy cap rise, which will see energy bills for a typical household hit an average of £2,500.

While some protestors waved the Communist flag, others held 'Tories Out!' placards.

There were speeches and singing of the Italian anti-fascist anthem Bella Ciao and an anti-fracking song.

It was part of the national Enough is Enough day of action.

The movement was founded by trade unions and community groups, with a list of five demands - a real pay rise, a cut to energy bills, an end to food poverty, decent homes for all, and taxes for the rich.

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.

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