Care plan hurts poor
Two years after promising to fix social care once and for all Boris Johnson has finally come up with a plan.
His solution is unsatisfactory and unfair.
In a breach of their manifesto promise, the Conservatives have decided the best way to raise the money needed is a hike in national insurance contributions. This would see the young and the low-paid pay more.
As anyone over the age of 66 is exempt from NICs, they would contribute nothing towards the cost of the bill even if they have additional income from rental, investments or a business.
By contrast, a worker on less than £12,570 a year would find themselves worse off.
A far fairer approach would be to raise income tax which would protect those on low incomes and distribute the burden more equally across the generations.
Everyone agrees a long-term and workable solution to the social care crisis is urgently needed.
Only the Tories could devise a scheme that penalises the poor but protects the well-off.
FIFA must act
Once again England players have been on the receiving end of loathsome and intolerable racist abuse.
The conduct of some of the Hungarian fans stands in contrast with the dignity shown by Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham in the face of such vile behaviour. It is a reminder of why footballers continue to take the knee.
But it also shows that the football authorities are still failing to do enough to stamp out the hatred which stains the beautiful game.
FIFA continues to run away from taking the action that is necessary – such as throwing clubs and countries out of competitions.
As long as FIFA fails to act it is siding with the racists rather than the victims.
Nation inspired
Congratulations to the British Paralympic team on winning more than 100 medals at the Tokyo games.
The whole country has been inspired by the squad’s tenacity, courage and athleticism.
