In 1971, the education secretary in Edward Heath’s Tory government, a certain Margaret Thatcher, prompted the playground taunt “Thatcher, Thatcher, milk snatcher”, as she stopped the provision of milk for junior school pupils.
Suella Braverman’s reported call in the King’s speech that homeless people should have their tents removed does not quite have the same ring, but demonstrates a similar lack of empathy for many of those forced into such dire straits by the actions of her government. In addition, she is reported to be looking to fine charities found to have given tents to rough sleepers.
To rub salt further into the wounds and demonstrate to what extent that both she and her government have totally lost the plot, according to Braverman many of those taking up residence in tents are doing so apparently as a “lifestyle choice”. So, as we approach winter, people are apparently deciding that this is the life they want to lead.
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