A cost too high

Stephenson discusses the need for the British government to acknowledge its mistakes and take action to help women in particular as a fifth of the population is living in poverty due to political choices. Professor Philip Alston, the United Nations' special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, was blunt in his analysis of the impact of UK austerity policies last month, arguing that: "British compassion for those who are suffering has been replaced by a punitive, mean-spirited and often callous approach." Alston was speaking at the end of a two-week mission to the UK, following months of evidence-gathering by his team. He travelled the country, hearing firsthand accounts from people living in poverty and talking to researchers, think-tanks and charities.