LIVE Cost of living crisis protest - updates as demonstrators take to Manchester city centre streets

Demonstrators will take to Manchester's streets this afternoon for a cost of living crisis protest.

The rally is due to begin in Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre at 1pm today (Saturday, February 12).

Organised by the People’s Assembly, it is one of many similar demonstrations taking place across the country.

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Protesters are calling for the government to reduce the burden on millions across the UK.

The rally comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcement last week that 28 million households will get a £200 'rebate' on their energy bills from October, but this will be clawed back by hiking bills by £40 per year over five years from 2023.

People are also bracing themselves for rising inflation, tax hikes and soaring energy bills, which are set to go up by £693 per year for those on default tariffs from the start of April.

We'll bring you live updates from the protest below...