Trade unionists, political activists and some tenants are expected to protest this weekend in favour of rent controls.

A demonstration has been backed by Unite the Union, the National Education Union and the Public and Commercial Service Union, along with the Green Party.

Other activists supporting the event include the London Renters and Greater Manchester Tenants unions. 

At the end of the protest, speeches will be given by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Green Party politicians, trade unionists, and other housing campaigners.

A statement by one of the groups involved in the protest – the London Renters Union (LRU) – accuses Labour of failing renters. 

It says: “Although the Renters Rights Act will come into force on May 1, the government is failing to tackle rising rents and the severe shortages of social housing. 

“Their plan to hand more powers to private developers will only create more extortionate private rentals that will drive up prices for local residents.

“While the government fails renters, the far-right has weaponised the housing crisis. 

“Migrants are on the receiving end of a cynical campaign of disinformation that tries to convince the public that British nationals are being de-prioritised in housing allocation.”

Elyem Chej of the LRU comments: “Tenants need an alternative to our rigged housing system. 

“Soaring rents are pushing us into poverty and out of our neighbourhoods while corporate giants build luxury flats we can’t afford. 

“Keir Starmer’s government is making the housing crisis worse, cosying up to private developers and selling out our communities. 

“That’s why unions and grassroots groups nationwide are uniting for housing justice on the 18th April. 

“Rent controls would cut rents now and give ordinary people more control over our lives and our homes. We had these rights before. 

“Now it’s time for renters to take them back.”