The selection, analysis and interpretation of historical ‘facts’ always takes place within a paradigm, a model of how the world works. That’s why history is always a battleground, declares the Marx Memorial Library
DESPITE losing in the High Court over proposals to make changes to the Work Capability Assessment, the government is pushing ahead with plans that will further impoverish disabled people on a mass scale.
In January, the judgment was handed down in the legal case taken by disabled activist Ellen Clifford against the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.
The judge, Mr Justice Calver, found in her favour, ruling that the consultation on the proposals was “misleading,” “rushed” and “unfair,” squashing plans by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to cut nearly £5,000 a year in social security (“welfare benefits”) from almost half-a-million disabled people.
Labour will find increases in the state pension age are unacceptable, just as cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance, personal independence payments and universal credit are — it needs to change direction immediately, writes PCS general secretary FRAN HEATHCOTE



