Campaigners need just £500 more to send every Westminster MP a copy of John Pring’s new book, “The Department: How a Violent Government Bureaucracy Killed Hundreds and Hid the Evidence” as well as organising an event in parliament to discuss the content.
A fortnight ago, we asked readers ‘Can you help inspire Labour MPs to fight benefits crackdown?’.
The aim was to raise £3,500 to send every Labour MP a copy of the book. But so many of you responded that the target was easily passed and so organisers, Black Triangle, are now hoping to reach their stretch target of £7,000 with 10 days left to do so.
Campaigning journalist John Pring has spent the last decade painstakingly researching the way that the DWP have covered up flaws in processes such as the work capability assessment and the safeguarding of vulnerable claimants, leading to the deaths of hundreds – or even thousands – of claimants.
With income-related ESA claimants still due to be moved to universal credit from next month and the likelihood of major changes to benefits being announced this Autumn, it is vital that as many MPs as possible learn the truth about the dangers involved.
We know from your comments, that whilst many supported this attempt to educate MPs, others were sceptical that the book would be read.
Our view at Benefits and Work is that if even a handful of MPs are won over to the idea that welfare reform can kill, unless genuine safeguards are put in place and properly – and independently – overseen, then that will be a real victory.
No-one is expecting a mass revolt, but if enough MPs are asking hard questions and putting forward objections before any legislation is passed, it could make a real difference to what is contained in any forthcoming bill.
One thing is beyond doubt: doing nothing will give the DWP free reign to carry on negligently killing claimants and covering up their deaths.
