A Word From Our Chair

by Harry Cartmill

UKCAP Chair

November 2008

We live in extraordinary times; who could have predicted 2008 would herald such unprecedented events.

Firstly, the 10p tax debacle which highlighted just how many people in the UK work for unacceptably low wages, many with a take home pay of less than £8,000 P.A. Those of us engaged in anti-poverty work hope that the campaign for a living wage of £7.20 per hour gains momentum and widespread political support.

Secondly, the so-called credit crunch culminating with the historical government intervention in the wake of potential bank collapses – capitalism showing its fatal flaws in the most damaging form.

As I write these thoughts the first African-American president in the form of Barack Obama has been elected promising some form of wealth re-distribution and withdrawal from Iraq.

A final moments change in this historic year, a beacon of hope to carry forth into 2009.

Harry Cartmill

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