Published: Guardian Letters, 21 October 2010
Sir,
The four men responsible for preparing, prioritising and pushing through these spending reductions have one overriding thing in common. David Cameron, George Osborne, Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander represent constituencies which will feel less of an impact from the reductions in public expenditure and welfare payments than virtually any other part of the UK; will be under less pressure in their advice surgeries and community meetings; and, therefore, will receive less feedback on the real impact of their decisions on the country as a whole than other MPs.
The three English constituencies are among the top 10 most affluent in England; and Mr Alexander is protected by higher spending in Scotland, as well as different prioritisation from the devolved administration. They are joined bythe 35 leading businesspeople who have publicly supported the government's policy of cutbacks. Not one of those 35 will be affected by the cuts they advocate in the services provided to the rest of us, nor touched by the inevitable job losses which will result.
The voice of those losing out in the months ahead will be drowned out by those with access to the broadcast and print media — which is why, while preparing positive policies for the future, those of us in opposition must articulate the reality on the ground and pressurise the protected into listening, rather than lecturing.
Rt Hon DAVID BLUNKETT MP (Lab, Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough)
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