17 November 2023 , 21:19
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Rarely have the needs of the country and the priorities of the collapsing Conservatives been so out of kilter.
A Chancellor with his finger on the nation’s pulse would be looking to boost school and hospital spending, ease the social care crisis and support four million children in poverty. But, instead, Jeremy Hunt is expected to use next week’s Autumn Statement to slash inheritance tax.
It is paid by just 4% of people and most of those set to gain are worth at least £2million. Only the Tories could spend billions cutting taxes for billionaires. It’s not just immoral, it’s deeply insulting. Hunt would be sticking two fingers up to kids being taught in temporary classrooms because of crumbling concrete.
It would show Sunak and Co no longer care about the hundreds of thousands unable to get social care or the many millions awaiting an NHS appointment. With public services on their knees and families struggling with costs, the last thing this lamentable government of losers should consider is another tax cut for the super-rich.
For pity’s sake
An estimated 11,500 have died in Gaza since Israel began its military response to the Hamas atrocities. That toll will only rise as the war escalates and more civilians are denied vital aid. Oxfam says relief delivered so far is “crumbs” – woefully inadequate with 2.2million people at risk of starvation and dehydration. Israel has to defend itself but its target should be Hamas not the Palestinian people. Whether it is called a ceasefire or an extended pause, now is the time for a break in hostilities to relieve the desperate suffering.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
Strictly great
Tonight Strictly returns to its spiritual home in Blackpool’s magnificent gilded Tower Ballroom. There is no better location for bright lights, high kicks and some towering dance routines.