The long-term effects of chemical weapons such as Agent Orange mean that the impact of war lasts well beyond a ceasefire
THIS week’s budget should be judged by one key issue — whether it improves the living standards of the vast majority of people in this country. On that, it clearly failed.
Over the coming months, the poorest families will receive a £20 per week universal credit cut plunging half a million people, including 200,000 children, into poverty just as unemployment is expected to rise.
Key workers will be hit by ongoing real terms pay cuts despite their heroics throughout this crisis. While one million lower-paid workers will be forced into paying income tax as a result of stealth taxes imposed in the budget.
The 2025 Budget shores up the PM’s political position with headline-grabbing welfare U-turns, but with no improvements on offer to declining public services or living standards, writes MICHAEL BURKE
Under current policy, welfare cuts are just a small downpayment on future austerity, argues MICHAEL BURKE



