Campaigners Demand Action from the Prime Minister Amid Crisis
In a poignant demonstration against cold-related deaths, protesters marched to Downing Street carrying a mock coffin on Thursday. The coffin symbolised the tragic loss of life attributed to the inability to heat homes adequately.
Before delivering their message, the demonstrators observed a minute’s silence for those who have died as a result of cold-related illnesses. The coffin, marked with the number of excess deaths, was placed at the gates of Number 10, accompanied by a letter urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
The vigil was organised by various groups, including the National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC), Fuel Poverty Action, the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, and Disabled People Against Cuts. This event coincided with new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which revealed that an estimated 13,400 more deaths occurred during the winter months from December 2021 to March 2022 compared to the average non-winter period.
While these figures are the second lowest recorded in decades, the fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) highlighted that they reflect a time when energy costs were significantly lower than they are now. The chief executive of NEA, Adam Scorer, warned that the current energy crisis would likely lead to even graver statistics in the coming year.
Scorer stated, “This winter we need the Government to give more support and stop millions falling through the cracks with the most awful consequences.” He emphasised the perilous combination of soaring heating costs, stagnant incomes, and inadequate housing, predicting a severe impact on public health.
Ruth London, co-founder of Fuel Poverty Action, expressed her deep concern outside Downing Street, stating, “Nobody should be dying because they haven’t got enough money to keep their heating on.” She described harrowing stories of individuals forced to wear masks at home due to the cold and those sleeping in multiple layers of clothing while still feeling cold.
Jan Shortt, general secretary of the NPC, warned that the escalating cost of living and skyrocketing energy prices, compounded by the ongoing crisis in NHS and social care, could result in tens of thousands more deaths if no immediate action is taken.
The vigil occurred against a backdrop of record low temperatures, with Drumnadrochit in the Highlands recording -10.4°C (13.28°F), the coldest temperature of the year so far. A level three cold weather alert remains in effect, signalling increased health risks for vulnerable populations until 9am on Friday.
