A welfare state of hope, not despair

Article Abstract:

The strong rise in the number of people claiming family credit in the UK over recent years, now at 660,000, highlights the success of the government's policy of encouraging people to work, rather than simply claiming benefits. This benefit is designed to boost the income of low-paid employees with children, ensuring that they are better off than they would be if they simply claimed benefits. Some observers are opposed to family credit, as they fear that employers will use it as an excuse to pay very low wages. However, there is no firm evidence that this is happening in a systematic way.

United Kingdom, Finance, Family, Welfare state

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Condemned to a conspiracy of silence

Article Abstract:

It now seems clear that test cases currently going through the European courts will serve to greatly embarrass the UK government over its policy of not allowing gay people to serve in the armed forces. It is believed that the government may respond by amending regulations on this issue, allowing gay people to conceal this fact. This compromise may appease leading military officials, who are very opposed to allowing gay people to serve. However, it should be rejected because it still portrays homosexuality as officially unacceptable.

Laws, regulations and rules, Gay military personnel

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She may have been silenced by Tony Blair, but the honesty and the sheer energy of Labour's 'canary' is unlikely to be easily diminished

Article Abstract:

Labour MP Clare Short is known not to agree wholeheartedly with party leader Tony Blair, and has never been prepared to compromise her political views. She is still not particularly friendly with Tony Blair, and is aware that her political career will always be precarious. She is particularly keen to see women play a more prominent role in politics, and supports women-only shortlists.

Interview, Women politicians, Short, Clare

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