The Bank of England is expected to announce today that interest rates will rise from 1.25 per cent to 1.75 cent. It would mean the biggest hike in the base rate for 27 years and yet another hammer blow to families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
It’s a desperate roll of the dice by the UK’s central bank to bring inflation under control while a Conservative government does little to help. The last 12 years of Tory rule have been a disaster for hard-working families.
When David Cameron was prime minister, his austerity agenda resulted in wages falling and lifeline benefits being cut. Under Boris Johnson, people in Scotland are having to cope with sky-high inflation and exorbitant energy bills that could rise to £500 a month.
An interest rate rise will simply take more money out of people’s pockets, mostly from higher mortgage payments. This is galling given that Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, recently urged workers to “think and reflect” before asking for pay rises.
Despite the Government’s “levelling up” agenda, voters are having to make do with nine per cent inflation, unaffordable gas bills and rising interest rates. The two candidates to become the next prime minister have precious little to say about it.
Both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are pandering to the tiny percentage of people who are members of the Conservative party, rather than speaking to the country. Whoever enters Downing Street needs a plan to help ordinary people. Right-wing rhetoric won’t cut it.
Miles for meals
The Proclaimers know a thing or two about inspiring people to walk. Twins Craig and Charlie Reid have managed to get several generations going since I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) was released some 34 years ago.
Their greatest hit is still top of playlists at football matches and other public events. So, when it came to getting people on their feet for Mary’s Meals, they were the charity’s obvious choice.
They’re not even wanting you to walk 500 miles – only a few will do to help feed hungry children in 20 different countries. If anyone can get folk to do a sponsored walk, cycle or swim and raise money for this magnificent cause, it’s them.
Mary’s Meals helps make a huge difference in some of the world’s poorest regions. Fingers crossed the Proclaimers’ asking the public to back their cause will have fundraisers replying I’m On My Way...
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