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This from Hans Bromwich, Cowes. Ed
Britain, under the Conservatives, has become a poor country with a few rich people. So what has been the impact on the nations health?
World renowned and highly respected epidemiologist, Sir Michael Marmot, points out that figures obtained by 84 NHS Trusts show cases of malnutrition, rickets and scurvy have increased by tens of thousands, reviving a Dickensian era of diseases.
1 million children in a state of destitution
At the end of last year the Joseph Roundtree Foundation produced a report saying 3.8 million people, including 1 million children are in a state of destitution.
Destitution they define as doing without 2 or more of the six essentials, housing, heat, light, food, appropriate clothing for the conditions, and toiletries.
The cost of providing essentials
The Joseph Roundtree Foundation and the Trussell Trust produced a report on the cost of providing essentials. Universal Credit meets the cost of around 70% of these essentials, so if you are living solely on Universal Credit you are guaranteed to get sick.
22% of households with children are suffering food insecurity, that’s defined as skipping meals because you can’t afford them, or going a whole day without food.
This is Conservative Britain in 2024, where poor people have a lower income than people in Slovenia.
Wholly reversible under a different Government
This is a wholly reversible position, but clearly not under the present Government.
Conservatives continue to target and punish the weakest and most disadvantaged in our society, blighting the lives of children in poor families.
It’s difficult to imagine anything more reprehensible in the sixth richest country in the world.
