MORE than 100 pensioners, trade unionists, disabled people and trades council representatives gathered outside Downing Street today to protest against the hike in energy bills.

The protesters chanted “nationalisation not privatisation.”

Fuel bills are expected to rise typically by £693 a year from April as energy regulator Ofgem raises the price cap.

National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC) housing chairman Tony O’Brien called for a continuation of protests “as we can’t afford to give up” and urged all those gathered to support demonstrations organised by the People’s Assembly across Britain on Saturday, February 12.

TUC Brent chairwoman and Greater London Association of Trade Union Councils (GLATUC) President Mary Adossides called for the renationalisation of energy companies.

She argued that London is a global city of finance making billions for large corporations and no-one should have to choose between heating their homes or eating.

“Our pensions are the lowest in Europe,” she said.

“Pensioners and families with young children are relying on foodbanks to survive in the sixth richest country in the world.”

Ms Adossides also spoke of the many low-paid workers taking industrial action, especially NHS cleaners and porters at the Royal London Hospital and security workers at Great Ormond Street Hospital whose jobs are being outsourced to Serco.

“Low pay is a scourge and must stop. Britain needs a pay rise badly,” she said.

A 3.1 per cent rise from April will see the basic state pension increase to £141.85 per week.

But campaigners warn that the change amounts to a real-terms cut when set against the rising living costs.

National Insurance payments are also set to rise in April, while the Bank of England has warned that inflation could balloon to over 7 per cent in the spring.