The end of social security?

I cannot describe in any brief way how I felt last night on hearing that the architect responsible for destroying the benefits system has been reappointed. My first thoughts were “God help us all.”

We must campaign vociferously and passionately against further cuts and we must battle for any new welfare powers to be used for the good of all.

Since this news, the fear of disabled and carer activists has reached fever pitch. It’s tangible and solid – and expressed in a range of ways across social networks. People are genuinely, heart wrenchingly terrified of what is to come. That £12 billion of further welfare cuts is still lurking in our pre-election sub-conscious. What more damage can be wrought on lives already broken by previous cuts is hard to imagine. Will we see 5 million people turning to food banks in future? Will the Scottish Government need to treble the amount it invests in the Scottish Welfare Fund? And what will be left of the shattered UK system to devolve to Scotland? What is clear is this - whilst post Smith legislation meanders through Westminster, the Scottish Government, local government, wider public services and the voluntary sector will have to pick up and try to piece together many more damaged lives. The reappointment of the previous Work and Pensions Secretary is the worst news for many of us of who have spoken out and tried to fight for change. The fear induced by the Conservatives' pre-election commitments is the very opposite of the hopes and intentions of the architects of our social security system. The reality of these policies is that the achievements of those who have long campaigned for human rights, for the rights of women and those with disabilities may well be undone. Yet, this fear must be what drives us to work together to challenge what we know is coming. Now, more than ever, our Scottish Parliament must be a beacon of hope and a loud voice, fighting for those who may not have any fight left. And the third sector must play its most critical role to date. Despite the attempts to silence us, across the country and in every community, we must call for the right to social security and the right to a decent income. We must campaign vociferously and passionately against further cuts and we must battle for any new welfare powers to be used for the good of all. Living and fighting for equality and security for every citizen is our guiding principle. So, wipe away the tears and dust yourself off. There is much to do.