That is a good point. A lot of well-intentioned statements are being made here tonight by a lot of people, and I include the Ministers, many of whom are well intentioned. The problem comes when that works its way through to the actual job centre—if it does so—where the same well-intentioned helpfulness, including training and all the rest of it, is not always as evident as in the House.
Mental health issues are also important. Having opened an office on a main street in my constituency, I find that many people come to see me, and it is clear that a number of them have mental health issues. I am concerned about the pressure that may be put on them if they are subjected to a very rigorous regime.
In conclusion, I promised my constituents that I would judge issues at Westminster by how they affected the gap between the rich and the poor in society. Now we are entering a recession, yet we see top bankers, who have virtually destroyed their banks and half the economy of this country—[Hon. Members: ““The Royal Bank of Scotland.””] I include Scottish banks. Those bankers are walking away with knighthoods and handsome pensions, and are perhaps even getting other good jobs as well. By contrast, we see people at the bottom of our society being squeezed more and more. I just think that there is something wrong with that.
Welfare Reform Bill
Proceeding contribution from
John Mason
(Scottish National Party)
in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 27 January 2009.
It occurred during Debate on bills on Welfare Reform Bill.
About this proceeding contribution
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487 c228 Session
2008-09Chamber / Committee
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