Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, Dáire Hughes, has slammed the latest round of British government austerity cuts.
Speaking after the British Chancellor, in her Spring Statement, announced billions of spending on British militarisation funded by cuts to essential welfare and international aid, Dáire said;
“It is astonishing at a time when public services are on their knees; when we have endured 14 years of austerity and cuts; when small business are hit with National Insurance increases; when winter fuel payments have been cut and when farmers are worried about increased taxes on family farms; that public money that should be invested in public services is instead being diverted into weapons of war.
“The British government has made clear that it has no regard for ordinary workers and families or for public services here. It has made the wrong choices, focusing on a militarised budget and increasing weapons of war.
“Over 12,000 people in Newry and Armagh are in receipt of Personal Independence Payments. Harsher criteria for securing PIP will see thousands losing support of between £4,000 and £6,300 per year.
“These payments are vital in allowing people to live with a degree of dignity. They are a safety net for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. They are also vital for our local economy as this money is spent locally on essential products and services. Austerity cuts have ramifications for both recipients of welfare and the wider community.
“We need to invest in public services, protect those in need, and improve daily life for workers, families and communities.
“Instead, the Labour Chancellor has adopted a turbo charged Tory approach. The British government is totally failing people, using distraction tactics, creating fear and the threat of an invisible and unnamed enemy. The direction of travel for this British government is extremely worrying.
“In the face of economic challenges there is a choice to be made. History has shown the dangers of militarisation and the right-wing politics and policies that accompany this. After years of condemning Tory austerity and cuts this Labour government is now doubling down on austerity with cuts to fund British military spending.
“There is nothing in this statement for people in the north. It is a statement of British national priorities which is at odds with the needs of workers, families and communities here.”
Concluding, Dáire Hughes MP said;
“It is obvious that British governments, whether Tory or Labour, have nothing to offer our people.”
“Billions of pounds can be found for weapons of war and mass destruction, while the British government cuts the welfare payments, international aid and fails to properly fund essential public services.
“Westminster has shown a complete disregard for our workers, families and communities in the north. This is the latest episode in its total neglect of our people’s needs. The interests of our people are very obviously never served at Westminster.”
“Whilst partition endures, people in the north will forever be subjected to this callousness and indifference from Westminster. We have an alternative. The debate on Irish reunification is live and growing. Irish unity would allow us to unlock our economic and social potential as an island, and decide for ourselves how public money is spent.”
ENDS
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