Debate on UN Report on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights in the UK

Background

The report's author, UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston, urges the UK government to: Reverse regressive measures such as the benefit freeze and the two-child limit.   Restore local government funding to fight poverty.   Reform Universal Credit to be more humane and less punitive.  

Additional details

Alston argues that the UK government's austerity policies, since 2010, have deliberately gutted the social safety net and inflicted unnecessary misery on the most vulnerable. This has led to:   A rise in poverty, despite record employment.   Increased homelessness and reliance on food banks.   Decimation of social services and legal aid. The low attendance of MPs at the debate on the UN report on poverty in Britain is a cause for concern. Invite the UN special rapporteur to return.