Introduction to Social Justice Issues in the UK

I wanted to write this as an introductory to a series of social justice pieces starting with a disturbing personal account of my experiences of disability benefit and care. The stories of other vulnerable groups I think draws a picture of state measures in policy, legislation and 'austerity' leaving those least able in very real hardship, suffering. How the state acts as a moral authority figure in misuse of drugs legislation while encouraging alcohol abuse. Also to look at how international problems with the war on terror have resulted in the state eroding civil liberties and human rights here in the name of prevention of terrorism.

The threats represented by the IRA and the troubles through my childhood and early adult life before the peace agreements seemed, looking back, much more significant a problem and yet that war on terror was fought with much less impact on peoples lives and freedoms in this country. Policemen carrying sub machine guns and being routinely armed seems to have ended a period of time when this country considered itself civilised to the point of being inviolate from a need to have firearms carried on its streets to keep the peace. As the only country in the world to do this the relationship between the public and the police seemed special here. In some way the streets here were the safest in the world. That ended recently with no debate over a change that has ended the sense of safety. Signs are suggesting we are not safe. Danger lurks and firearms will be needed to protect us.

I agree with the sentiment. There are very real threats to the safety of a number of vulnerable groups in this country. Unfortunately armed policemen won't help them. One of these groups is the newly disabled relying on the state to support them through this traumatic change. Having been through this myself I can describe the situation and without additional help from others it involves not being able to feed yourself every day. More detail on this next post.