THE British ruling class and its state power have never been greatly concerned about the sanctity of human life, except when it suits their purposes.

This is true not only when it comes to foreigners, whether killing them in huge numbers or watching them die from preventable hunger and disease. 

It is also the brutal reality here at home, where thousands of mainly elderly people freeze to death every winter and dozens of sick or unemployed claimants commit suicide when they find their benefits unjustly withdrawn.