IDS ‘verdict’: Guilty

‘Iain Duncan Smith’ has today ‘been jailed for crimes against humanity’ by Unite community members in Southampton over the government’s widespread use of benefit sanctions.

As part of a national day of action against the sanctions – which lead to a cut or loss of benefits for the most trivial reasons – Unite members in the city staged a mock high noon trial of the work and pensions secretary.

The street theatre took place after a noisy and colourful parade through the city aimed at highlighting the plight of over two million people who’ve had their benefits cut over the past two years.

The union has led the campaign against the increased levels of poverty, anxiety and untimely deaths caused by what it describes as the ‘grotesque cruelty’ of such penalties.

According to a recent report people in Southampton and across Hampshire are among the most likely in the country to be penalised in this way.

The local Job Centre on Bernard St was renamed – the Sanctions Centre – for the ‘trial’.

Passing sentence the judge solemnly intoned that the suffering caused by the Tory minister was “shameful and beyond belief.”

Not say sorry

Before being incarcerated an unrepentant ‘Duncan Smith’ said he would “not say sorry” as he was Conservative who had “no shame”.

Mike Dukes – Unite Community chair in Southampton – said he was “delighted” with “an amazing turnout” for the event.

Dukes explained the significance of the taking part in the day of action saying: “benefit sanctions cause immense hardship and hunger and have brought about the early death of hundreds and hundreds of people.

“These sanctions are unnecessary and inhumane” he said, adding, “whichever government is elected in May we want them to look again at these sanctions and stop them. They are not working.”