Easter Monday break in the rain clouds

I long for a society where everyone’s gifts are recognised and realised, but today’s Statement does not take us closer to that vision. 5/5

Reducing the daily living allowance of people with disabilities – already disproportionately living in poverty - will undoubtedly make it harder for them to contribute, whether that is through paid work or volunteering, and increase demand on the NHS. ⅘

But today’s announcements do not align with those apparent aims. ⅗

I recognise the Chancellor is operating in extremely challenging and ever-shifting fiscal and geopolitical circumstances. Her ambition to reduce our spending on borrowing is commendable, as is the Government’s aim to help more people into work and grow our economy. ⅖

It is heartbreaking to read that as a result of yesterday’s Statement, 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, will be driven into relative poverty. ⅕

Yesterday I participated in the consecration of the new bishop of Kiteto, Tanzania. So good to be back in Africa!

New book just published. Hoping it will be helpful to all in @churchofengland

Church of England ‘not yet at separation point’ over sexuality issues, says Bishop of Leicester Try viewing LLF disagreement as intercultural, Bishop Snow suggests

So I did a little interview with the Church Times which is now a podcast and article. Not everyone will like it but…

www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/202...

Taking money from overseas aid is absolutely the wrong thing to do. I was proud of Starmer’s willingness to stand with Ukraine but increasing defence spending in this way, and for these very dubious reasons, is simply wrong.

This blog is well worth a read. The Policy Exchange document is a shameless attack on a thorough piece of research - clearly politically motivated.

Ahem….

‘Let asylum seekers work if claim takes more than six months’ Professor Brian Bell, chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee, believes the move would save taxpayers money and help integration

Absolutely agree with this - asylum seekers must be allowed to work -
More than 60 per cent of outstanding asylum seekers have been waiting more than six months for their claim to be processed

www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...

Another crisp winter’s day

Early morning walk