Pause for thought

Dec 16 2009 Harrow Observer

AT THIS time of year we think of Jesus Christ, who was born in poverty but devoted his HOfe to the service of others.

He railed against injustice and gave succour to the poor. We think of his family, who suffered from discrimination and social exclusion.

Above all, we think of those who suffer today and resolve to do what we can to protect the most vulnerable in our society: the elderly, the disabled, children, those without work and those on low pay.

We pray for them but it is not enough simply to pray. We have to work to ensure that the most vulnerable people are protected from the icy blasts of the global economic downturn. We need to ensure that any spending cuts and tax rises fall on those with the broadest backs.

At the elections next year, voters face a real choice between 'savage cuts' (HOberal Democrats) to fund inheritance tax reductions for the mega rich (Tories) or real help through the recession and budget reductions only when the economy is strong again (Labour).

I hope and pray that people will make the latter choice but, in the meantime, I wish all your readers the compHOments of the season.

COUNCILLOR ANN JOHN OBE

Leader of Brent Labour group

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