Regeneration
Only Ukip has emerged victorious from the 2014 local and European Union elections. Their significant gain of new councillors and MEPs has them shouting about a historic breakthrough and becoming a national force. The three main political parties have all responded with an intense bout of public hand-wringing, with Cameron urged to move to the right, Clegg to resign and Miliband to find some new policies and never eat a bacon butty on TV again – although who really looks good eating breakfast?
He collected hunger stories during Lent, is co-ordinating a social inclusion network across the UK, and is calling for everyone – from businesses to individuals – to take responsibility for growing levels of poverty. New Start speaks to the Bishop of Birmingham, David Urquart.
During Lent you set up books around the city for people to record their experiences of hunger and raise awareness.
Yes, we left books in communities around the city for people to record their stories as part of the End Hunger Fast campaign. There are stories of people who cannot survive on the benefits they are allocated and have to rely on foodbanks just to make sure they have something to eat every day. There are others whose low-paid work barely covers bills and rent and others who are unable to find work because of a history of offending, because of their immigration status, because of mental ill-health or the costs of childcare. Many of these people tell of a moment of crisis such as bereavement, domestic abuse, conflict with family or trauma of some kind that has led to their inability to support themselves without the help of foodbanks or other agencies. One of the main challenges is that tipping point between being able to manage and then, because of a change in the benefits system for example, finding that they can no longer manage, that their cash runs out before the end of the week. Another clear challenge is that poverty is now experienced by people in work, underlying the narrative about affordable jobs and those that turn up as jobs on national employment statistics. A very strong theme is the immoral slur on people trying to cope, who are seen as inadequate or scroungers. That needs to be turned on its head. Most people are trying to work and make ends meet. The main themes and stories from the End Hunger Fast campaign will be put forward into the food bank inquiry, led by Frank Field and the Bishop of Truro.
