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Combatting the denial of poverty and inequality

Simon Barrow

Abstract

The Rev Paul Nicolson from Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP), has written to Lord Heseltine, following his criticism of recent statements from the Anglican Archbishops of York and Canterbury about the reality of poverty and inequality across the English regions and in the UK as a whole. We reproduce here the open letter to Lord Heseltine about the reality of divided Britain, and follow that with a detailed briefing on some of the issues raised by publicity round the book, On Rock or Sand?, together with commentary on who is saying what in the debate, relevant research, resources, and practical values for an alternative approach.

The Rev Paul Nicolson, a leading figure in the advocacy group Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP), has written to Lord Heseltine, a key coalition government ally and author of a 2012 report on devolving economic power to the regions, about his criticism of recent statements from the authors of a book focusing on poverty and inequality edited by the Anglican Archbishop of York and co-contributed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Ekklesia is pleased to be able to respond to Paul Nicolson’s request for collegiality in pressing these concerns. We reproduce his open letter to Lord Heseltine about the reality of divided Britain, and follow that with a detailed briefing on some of the issues raised by publicity round the book, ,em>On Rock or Sand?, together with commentary on who is saying what in the debate, relevant research, resources, and practical values for an alternative approach.

The questions tackled include the extent of inequality in the UK, divisions within and between regions, the Christian concern with these issues, consideration of data, and the values and principles that should shape ongoing debate – not least in an election year.

* Read the full paper and letter here: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/sites/ekklesia.co.uk/files/denial-of-poverty-a...