Quakers concerned by government’s autumn statement
Further cuts to public services resulting from the Government's autumn statement will hit those already struggling with the cost of living crisis, Quakers said.
The increase in the cap on fuel costs and freeze on income tax thresholds, despite soaring inflation, will further increase the financial pressure facing the population.
Despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's declarations in parliament and at COP27, the autumn statement made little mention of investment in reaching the government's net zero target.
Recording Clerk of Quakers in Britain, Paul Parker, said the government should focus on a just transition to a zero-carbon economy, which would benefit everyone in society.
The fossil fuel windfall tax increase from 25 per cent to 35 per cent is a step in the right direction, but it does not address the loophole encouraging growth in the very industry which is driving climate chaos.
Over the last quarter, Shell announced bumper profits of £8bn. But the company has announced it will pay no windfall tax, which can be offset against new investments in drilling.
While Quakers welcomed the increase in benefits and pensions in line with inflation, they condemned the freezing of most departmental budgets, which will put huge pressure on already struggling public services.
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Good public services are vital for tackling inequality, and without equality our society is driven apart
- Paul Parker
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Paul Parker said: “Quakers believe everyone is equal in the eyes of God. This leads us to the view that as a society we have a moral responsibility to respect and care for the most vulnerable amongst us.
“Good public services are vital for tackling inequality, and without equality our society is driven apart, social cohesion declining as human dignity is undermined."
In the run-up to COP27, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Fighting climate change is not just a moral good – it is fundamental to our future prosperity and security."
Yet Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement does not go far enough on energy efficiency, and made no mention of measures such as natural flood prevention and improving walking and cycling infrastructure.
The government should put a just transition away from fossil fuels at the heart of its spending decisions, Quakers say.
Paul Parker said: “Fossil fuel capitalism hurts us all and British poverty reflects the dynamics of a system which sees poorer countries of the world stripped of their resources and labour for the benefit of rich countries and corporations."