Liz Truss has only been Prime Minister for a month and already her authority is evaporating. The Tory leader was forced to abandon her pet policy of slashing income tax for the highest earners.
But it wasn’t because Truss realised the error of her ways – she was forced to U-turn by a revolt among her own MPs. Now reports are emerging the embattled PM could be pushed into raising benefits in line with inflation. Truss and Kwarteng have spent weeks dropping unsubtle hints that this was something they were not minded to do.
Several Conservative MPs have now publicly spoken out in favour of raising Universal Credit. It has to be hoped that Truss does listen to reason and confirms next month that her government will boost benefits across the UK.
But it still beggars belief the idea of cutting Universal Credit in real terms was seriously being considered. The cost of living crisis has a disproportionate impact on the least well-off in society. Those who earn the least spend the biggest proportion of their income on energy. Putting the heating on is not a light decision for some people.
Too many Scots are already living in fuel poverty. It’s imperative that Universal Credit and other benefits rise in line with inflation. The consequences of not doing so would be more premature deaths and misery for millions. Truss and her government have already been forced into one major U-turn. It’s now time she changed her mind on benefits.
Time to stamp out the Patriotic Alliance's right-wing rhetoric of hate
In chaotic times there are always dark forces trying to spread division and hatred. One such group is Patriotic Alliance, a right-wing party that uses conspiracy theories to promote it’s racist agenda. They held their annual conference at a Scottish hotel and unfurled a hate-filled banner at Stirling Castle.
We report on their activities today for one simple reason – ignoring these hatemongers will not make them go away. It is vital that all political parties and community organisations stand firm against the threat of the far-right. People are understandably angry just now about the state of the country.
Financial chaos, inequality and poverty are rife in Tory Britain. But justified anger should be directed at the source of these problems – a government that does not care about ordinary people.
Those who seek to blame minority groups for our plight are just plain wrong and history tells us they must be resisted. Their hate will not be allowed to leave its mark on our country.
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