New leader, new welfare policies? Two days left

As leadership election draws to a close, Ian Franks says to party members: Vote now, vote Layla.

Government minister’s welfare benefits statements prove economical with the truth

Sarah Newton, one of two ministers of state at the department for work and pensions (DWP), was in the centre of a heated debate in the House of Commons, this week. The Canary, a website dedicated to independent campaigning journalism, reported that she made some staggering claims. It went on to question how many of …

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New welfare boss is either loyal party stooge or genuinely uncaring

David Gauke is the new man in charge of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK. He has been appointed by lame duck prime minister Theresa May. So, as the PM works on a deal with the Democratic Unionists, can we expect more compassion from the DWP? Regretfully, the answer is 'no'. …

After PIP, second budget u-turn threatens Osborne

First the UK government completes a massive u-turn in welfare benefit reform and now it looks as though it may have to complete another. Having dropped (at least for the time being) the planned changes to the Personal Independence Payment, which would have left many people with disabilities far worse off financially, now it is …

Welfare benefit cuts high on anti-austerity agenda

Placards proclaiming 'Cut War Not Welfare'  are held aloft during Saturday's Anti-Austerity protest. Anti-austerity protests and movements have become increasingly popular during the latter half of last year year and again this year. Mass protests have taken place around the world, notably in Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the UK, Canada and the United States’ commonwealth …

No surprise as Welfare Reform and Work bill’s benefit cuts are restored by House of Commons

UK Government plans to cut welfare benefits still further were, as expected, put back on track last night, Wednesday, when the House of Commons voted 309 to 275 to throw out an amendment passed by the House of Lords last week after an impassioned plea from a well-known former wheelchair athlete. The bill, when it is …

Government wages ‘disability war’ on benefit claims

  For those of you outside the UK, as I am now, it must be difficult to understand what is happening there with government policies seeming to be continually targeting disabled people including those with multiple sclerosis and all other physical and mental disabilities. Well, it’s true. It is easy enough to find news stories …

Uncertain future of circus animals

Animal welfare is an issue of some importance. It matters more to some people than others but the elimination of cruelty and mistreatment is important. Where it lies in relation to human rights, domestic violence and cruelty to children is another matter. But, today, this blog will concentrate purely on animal issues, especially those animals …

Showing we care

Not quite sure why but World Animal Day crept up on me; maybe it was the careful stealth of its approach – like a cat stalking its prey. Anyway, here it is. Today, 4th October, is World Animal Day, chosen because it is the Feast Day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of …