It’s time for political change

As a social worker, I work for social justice and social change. While this can happen within the individuals, families and communities we work with, this is no longer sufficient. It is political change which is now required to bring this country back from the brink of economic, social and political disaster.

Austerity

The policies of successive Conservative Governments since 2010 have led to rising poverty and inequality. Austerity has ripped the heart out of our public services and damaged the fabric of our society.

The recent report of Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, highlighted how the policies of austerity are driven by political choice rather than economic necessity. The way in which his observations and arguments were dismissed by the Government shows the way it treats criticism with utter contempt. Although Theresa May says that austerity is over, the policies which have caused hardship throughout the country show no sign of abating. This must stop. Now.

Statement on Visit to the U… by on Scribd

Brexit

This weekend, Theresa May has agreed an EU withdrawal plan with the EU leaders in a Brussels summit. It contains so many compromises that many who voted to leave the EU do not support it. It gives us a worse deal than we already have and is certain to further damage our society and economy should it be voted through Parliament in December. I fear that it will also lead to the break-up of the UK.

Brexit is another example of this Government’s willingness to blindly pursue policies not in the best interests of the country. Driven by a singular desire to see something through in spite of its consequences, the Government endlessly repeats the mantra that it must respect the result of the referendum. But it fails to consider that the vote was flawed by the lies and mis-truths told by the leave campaign, and that it was not explained what leaving the EU would actually mean.

We now have an opportunity to bring about political change. If the Brexit deal is not voted through Parliament, this could spell the end of the Government. 

I wrote to my MP this morning to urge him to vote against the Brexit deal. As Chief Whip, I somehow doubt that my letter will change his mind. But if everyone who believes that this deal will be harmful for the UK were also to write to their MP, we can ensure that our voices are heard. They may have an impact on wavering MPs.

It is somewhat ironic that Theresa May is encouraging everyone to write to their MP while she is praying that no more of her MPs write to the 1922 Committee. But we don’t have to use pen and paper to contact our MPs. If you are not sure who your MP is or what their email address, check it out on the Parliament webpages.

Social workers have a duty to challenge injustice in all its forms. This Government perpetuates and exacerbates injustice (including depriving the liberty of people we work with). It’s time for political change.