Enough is Enough is a campaign to fight the cost of living crisis.
It is founded by trade unions and community organisations determined to push back against the misery forced on millions by rising bills, low wages, food poverty, shoddy housing – and a society run only for a wealthy elite.
The Campaign & the Campaigners say “We can’t rely on the establishment to solve our problems. It’s up to us in every workplace and every community.” Join us. Learn more about the campaign
In Luton, Campaigners gathered outside Town Hall on 1st Oct’22 and numerous community leaders and speakers highlighted various facts and shared solidarity with all those suffering from the ongoing cost of living crisis.
One of Luton’s eminent community leaders, Peter Adams of St Mary’s Church and also the Vice Chair of Luton Food Bank spoke from the faith perspective and said, “ I’m here today because I, and many Christian people across this town just like you, are determined to shout out loud and clear in response to the absolutely cataclysmic politics of the past week … Enough is Enough! In response to likely repossession of homes due to mortgage rises … of death of elderly in freezing homes because they can’t afford the bill … of the difficult choices of families that can’t afford to heat the house as well as feed the family … Enough is Enough.”
He stated “My challenge to fellow Christians whatever your political affiliation is that we need to join with others who are raising a voice and protesting against the inhumanity of this government’s policies.”
When asked, what does the church have to say to where we are as a nation, referring to the manifesto God gave to the Prophet Isaiah 65.17-25, Peter quoted Bishop of Bedford, who rendering his support to the campaign had said “The growing need of so many people is a vital concern and fully in tune with the Christian commitment to Justice and Righteousness.”
Peter added there should be No infant death …. because of a chronically underfunded and badly run NHS. The old should be able to live fulfilled lives with well funded care. There should be adequate housing for all, and people must be protected from the terrible impact of repossession. A fair wage for a days labour … that guarantees food, a home, for the family is essential.
As we follow the command of Jesus to pray for the Kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven, he said we pray for the healing of nations. We pray for the peace, reconciliation and freedom everywhere. We pray that humanity lives in harmony alongside the environment.
Referring to his role as Vice Chair at Luton Foodbank, which was set up in 2012 anticipating changes in the benefit system in April 2013, Peter highlighted that every year the demand on the Foodbank has increased. A month ago we were distributing between 250-350 food parcels to an average of 150 clients – individuals or family units, among them around 150 children. Over the last month it’s reached 350-450 parcels, around 175 clients, around 175 children.
He thanked all for the food donations that were brought on the day. He also thanked food donations from Harvest collections in churches and schools that will keep the Food Bank going for another few weeks.
He said, “Over the summer we increased the capacity of our warehouse, so we could handle more food, say 500 parcels a month. But currently the shelves are emptying way faster than we can fill them. We already read reports of Foodbank closing as they cannot sustain the demand. It’s hard to know the future, but we anticipate demand patterns to change. It’s likely food poverty will last a lot longer. We will pull through but it’ll be tough. The huge generosity of Luton people from right across the community – from businesses, shoppers, unions, mosques, mandirs, gurudwaras, synagogues, churches & other places of worship, schools, etc we trust will do it’s magic.”
“But it should not have to be – parents missing meals so as to give the children food, choices between heat or food, empty growling stomachs.”
“Enough is enough. After ten years of a week by week rise in demand, we have not forgotten our hope, that this was meant to be temporary and that we would close the Foodbank, as we had hoped to mark the end of food poverty.”
Enough is Enough Campaign has put forth five demands to tackle the crisis;
1. A Real Pay Rise.
2. Slash Energy Bills.
3. End Food Poverty.
4. Decent Homes for All.
5. Tax the Rich.
For more info about Enough is Enough Campaign and to support or join the campaign, please visit the website; https://wesayenough.co.uk/
Watch a video Asking Lutonians about the cost of living crisis
Peter Adams of St Mary’s Church speaking at Luton Enough is Enough Event held outside Town Hall on 1st Oct’22
Campaigners at Luton Enough is Enough Event held outside Town Hall on 1st Oct’22
Campaigners at Luton Enough is Enough Event held outside Town Hall on 1st Oct’22
Campaigners at Luton Enough is Enough Event held outside Town Hall on 1st Oct’22