Much alarm has been raised by the government's proposals to cut welfare benefits for some of the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
The Department for Work and Pensions has estimated that the cuts to health and welfare will push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.
The number of people claiming these benefits has risen substantially over recent years, due in no small part to the Covid pandemic.
The mishandling of so much of the pandemic by the government has helped create a huge number of people unable to work.
The harm done to mental health over the period and subsequently has been huge. It is estimated that two million people (3% of the population) are still suffering from long Covid.
Why not tax those with the most? Many millionaires and billionaires have asked to pay more.
The government talk about delivering for working people, whilst seemingly ignoring, or attacking, other groups such as the elderly, disabled and poor.
In the case of the elderly, who proportionately vote more than any other demographic, it seems a strange electoral strategy, let alone the moral dimension.
Several commentators have also linked the moves to legalise assisted dying, and these other policies attacking the poorest and most vulnerable in society
The narrative seems to be that if you are not tied to the economic wheel of employment, you have no worth.
Never mind the £billions of free care provided by elderly people for their children and grandchildren, or the voluntary work done by so many, or the service and taxes contributed over the years.
None of this counts - only work, right now, on the wheel of capitalism by 'ordinary working people.'
It is all rather confusing, if not a little sinister.
The mindset needs to change. Everyone has worth, all lives are sacred. It is high time to recognise this reality and act accordingly for the common good of all.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
