There will be a silent vigil in Wanstead High Street between 1.30pm and 2.30pm on Sunday March 8th when Wanstead Quakers will stand up publicly to show how much they care about the increasing gap between rich and poor. All are welcome to attend.

Studies show that health and social problems including infant mortality, obesity, and violent crime tend to be greater in more unequal societies. They also tend to be less trusting, less altruistic, and have lower levels of happiness and social mobility. The United Kingdom is one of the most unequal countries in the industrialised world.

Kate Green says, “Our understanding of equality springs from a deep sense of the worth of every single human being, rich or poor: everyone’s lives are diminished in such an unequal society.” In the run-up to the General Election on 7 May, Quakers are urging all political parties to make a genuine commitment to tackle economic inequality should they form the next government.

Based on information supplied by Kate Green.