This morning I was interviewed on Premier Radio about today’s interest rate rises. I talked about those whose costs will rise – mortgage holders, renters and those who are already burdened by unavoidable debt accumulated over the lockdowns. I also talked about the rise’s effects on those who are …
Briefings
Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill – An Update
Last week, as Monday night drifted into the early hours of Tuesday morning, the latest version of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill was approved by MPs. This means the fraught and contested passage of this controversial Bill will continue, as it returns to the House of Lords. The …
COP26 – what was achieved?
COP26 was the most significant climate summit since Paris in 2015. The measures outlined in the COP26 Glasgow Climate Pact are critical if we are to set a course to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees. Members of churches, in the UK and further afield, have been campaigning in advance of …
Reaction to the Budget
In this Budget, the Chancellor faced the difficult task of setting financial and economic priorities at a time when unprecedented support has been needed, and continues to be needed, to help the country get through the pandemic. As well as setting out plans for the extension of that support, he had …
How I fell out of love with Universal Basic Income
I desperately want to see an end to Universal Credit. Last month I sat with a church member facing threats of eviction from her landlord. Like many people at the moment, work has dried up and she has no income coming in. Her application for Universal Credit has been denied repeatedly. She will get …
European Elections 2019
This European election is unlike any other. The UK Government and many others do not think the election should happen. It could even be cancelled before election day. The people elected may not ever take their seats and, if they do, they may not serve a full term. This election will take …
The things you need to know about Universal Credit
Universal Credit: the bad, the worse and the ugly Universal Credit has been failing badly. Over the past few weeks, press and politicians have begun to notice that the next stages of Universal Credit (UC) could bring real disaster – and that something needs to be done and quickly. By the end of …
Brexit: Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Communities
This paper is an information briefing for churches on how Britain’s departure from the European Union might affect farming and fishing communities. Please continue to pray for all those who work in agriculture and fisheries industry as well as the communities who rely on those industries. If you …
Updated Universal Credit Briefing
Universal Credit: increasing hunger by design Read the briefing in full. Summary Last updated April 2019 As Churches we are concerned that the design of Universal Credit does not sufficiently take into account the lives, skills and resources of the least well off, and as a result will lead …
Churches urge end to ‘hostile environment’ policies
A group of major Churches is launching a campaign to challenge the government’s approach to illegal immigration, which they say is leading to destitution, discrimination and distrust. The Baptist Union, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have joined forces …