Along with many of our Tory MPs, Miriam Cates demonstrates an ignorance of changes afoot in broader public opinion (Low birthrate is UK’s top priority, Tory MP tells rightwing conference, 15 May). While birthrate has always been regarded as essential to maintain a workforce and represents a source of financial profit, in the context of escalating climate, ecological and increasingly likely global financial collapse, our population size has now become a liability.
Our young have become sacrificial lambs on the altar of growth economics. Europe is busy leading the way with the recent Beyond Growth conference and manifestos from the EU Wellbeing Economy Coalition and Generation Climate Europe. The powerful wording of the latter was agreed by several youth climate activist groups. The least that we can do for our young at this point in time is to hand over the controls rather than arguing over minutiae. They are the ones who will live through the tragic consequences of the unwise decisions that we are still making on their behalf.
Let’s hope MPs will respond positively to the recently tabled early day motion from the all-party parliamentary group for limits to growth that requests the UK government consider initiating a transition to a wellbeing economy.
Barbara Williams
Long Hanborough, Oxfordshire
• A low birthrate among high-consuming, high-environmental-impact citizens of wealthy countries is good news for the planet and, if we can moderate our excessive consumption per capita, will benefit people currently paying the price for those excesses far beyond our shores. For ageing societies, despite the hysteria articulated in places such as the recent NatCon event, this is a long-anticipated demographic transition that can be managed through sensible, pragmatic policies, including on health, pensions and lifelong learning. The baby bust narrative, however, suits the socially conservative, for whom “family values” tend to come at the expense of women’s autonomy and reproductive freedom.
Alistair Currie
Head of campaigns, Population Matters
• Does Miriam Cates’ interest in other people’s reproductive arrangements have anything to do with her being the MP for Penistone?
Tim Barker
Eastington, Gloucestershire
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