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I, Daniel Blake – the reality and the right-wing myths
The tabloid headlines surrounding benefits claimants are little more than fiction, write RUTH HUNT and NICK DILWORTH

WHEN Ken Loach, director of the award-winning and compelling film I, Daniel Blake, appeared on BBC Question Time last month, it provoked outrage and derision among rightwingers, who are on the defensive, aware of the real-life stories that inspired the film.

Minutes into the programme, one such case was brought up by the Labour MP for Holborn and St Pancras Keir Starmer QC, who revealed the harrowing story of one of his former constituents, the late Michael O’Sullivan.

Michael, 60, was discovered by his family after taking his own life on September 24 2013.

  • Ruth F Hunt is the author of The Single Feather (Pilrig Press). Nick Dilworth is a welfare rights specialist, consultant and campaigner (www.ilegal.org.uk).
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