The Rt Rev Graham Dow, the Bishop of Carlisle, and the Rt Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, the Bishop of Winchester, said Labour deserved credit for some past achievements but it was struggling to balance its conscience with the pressure to win the next election.

“I agree with the Conservatives that the breakdown of the family is a crucial element in the difficulties of our present society,” said Bishop Dow.

“The Government hasn’t given sufficient support to that because it is scared of losing votes.” He argued that Labour’s failure to back marriage and its “insistence on supporting every choice of lifestyle” had had a negative effect on society. “I think Labour has got tired,” he said. Bishop Scott-Joynt said: “The Government hasn’t done anything like enough to help those less well off, particularly in terms of tax redistribution. There also has been the disaster of the 10p tax.

“It is imperative that this Government help the poorer people and hold the hard-hit communities in its sights, but it seems to have its eye on re-election instead.”

Read the whole article.

Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Anglican Provinces • Church of England (CoE) • CoE Bishops • * Culture-Watch • Poverty • * Economics, Politics • Economy • Politics in General • * International News & Commentary • England / UK

1. chips wrote: Britain was the sick man of Europe when Thatcher came into office.  She left it much more vibrant, self reliant (sold government owned houses to the occupants) and affluent.  Governmnet spending cannot make poor people middle class - it can provide for stability, safety, and education - things that can make poor people middle class. However, it still requires the individual to make correct life choices as in stay in school, do not use illegal drugs, do not have children outside of a stable marriage. Lack of education, addiction, and single parenthood are the leading causes of poverty. Labour’s social policies are truly fightening - Europe’s are worse. December 29, 12:41 pm | [comment link]

Registered members must log in to comment.