Ricky Tomlinson at Trussell Trust food bank: My proud city Liverpool does not deserve to go hungry

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Concerned: Ricky is upset that families have to turn to food banks
Chris Neill
When I was asked to help out at a Liverpool food bank by the Trussell Trust and Len McCluskey, I leapt at the chance. But what I saw there really stopped me in my tracks.

The volunteers were working flat out packing food boxes for families who without their help would have nothing to wake up to on Christmas morning.

Then the manager Paul told me this was just one of a number of food banks in and around Liverpool and all of them would be rushed off their feet over Christmas.

In all there are 400 Trussell Trust food banks trying to feed 20,000 kids this Christmas. That’s on top of the 500,000 people they’ve fed since April, which is like feeding the whole of Wembley stadium five and a half times over.

Now Len and I are working class Liverpudlians – born and bred. We know what Scousers are like. Ours is a city full of proud people.

It’s obvious to us that the moment a family was forced to go to a food bank for help would’ve been one of the hardest of their lives – no matter how friendly the volunteers.

So it makes me furious when a prat like Tory Government minister Lord Freud says people are just going to take advantage of a free meal. Rubbish! These families are totally desperate.

And don’t even get me started on Esther McVey. That Wirral MP is simply a complete embarrassment to all of Merseyside.

Last week she was representing the Government in a debate on food banks, which was demanded by the 144,400 people who signed Jack Monroe’s petition – backed by the Mirror and Unite.

But Esther couldn’t even be bothered to stay the whole way through the debate. Just like her boss Iain Duncan Smith, she ran off, rather than face up to the damage that her Government is doing.



The truth is millions of families are facing a grim Christmas and 2014, because of frozen wages, rocketing bills and Government cuts. Pay packets simply can’t cover the cost of living.

But rather than do something about it, this lot in government are trying to blame ordinary people and turn us against each other.

Sadly, our afternoon at the food bank reminded Len and me of a time we’d hoped had been left behind.

We remembered being trade union organisers in the 1970s and 1980s, me on the building sites and Len as a dock worker. Back then ordinary families were facing desperate poverty.

But throughout that dark time one thing kept us going – the strength of our community.

Even if too often the government then didn’t give a toss about us, people pulled together to help each other out.

That’s why I’m so proud to be backing the Mirror, the Trussell Trust and Unite Christmas appeal this year.

It’s inspiring to see once again ordinary people, all around the country, putting their hands in their pockets to donate whatever they can manage.

As a trade unionist, I’m so glad that Unite is helping to lead this cause. After all, looking out for people in tough times is what we have always
done best.

It’s great that we are all coming together to make sure that families living in crisis can at least have some food on the table for Christmas Day.

I could not sit down to enjoy my Christmas dinner knowing that there were people who did not have one. Don’t forget – it’s not too late for you to help.



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PhilDidge wrote:

Joy Division wrote:


...lucky sods eh? Yet no mention of food, clothing , energy bills or anything else...just 11 million irresponsible people in debt and no doubt in your mind on benefits too Didge...

Do you realise what you sound like?

Picking not the poorest , disabled and vulnerable people Didge...

As Scrat would say...very poor sport a do not an ounce of understanding poverty , and before you tell me you led a life of poverty previously then you would not have the views you do.

Hi Joy

I suggest you read the link again as it did mention everything yet you seem to excuse them needing unwarranted items and again I am being a realist it is not picking on anyone but showing how bad people are in thinking what they feel is necessary which is what you have failed to answer why things like sky TV are to them.
Stop distracting from the points as that is all I am seeing you do Joy!

..Didge when did I ever say that things like sky telly were essential for poor people?, it's YOU who is failing to answer things like why there is such great demand for food banks!!

Where have I said poor folk must have giant tvs, games consoles , cars etc?..the things you and the RW normally accuse poor folk of having , and even if some do have some of these , they could well have been gifts.

I can see right through the patter of the RW Didge, that woman from ADO trying to say a poor person must sell all their furniture before applying for benefits, what an utter load of rubbish, she would not do that and neither would you...

You must think we are all zipped up the back here didge, and judging on your posts about the poor, sick and unemployed ...I don't believe for a moment you have been as poor as you claim , or you would be more understanding of poverty.

This government has failed ifs own people, apart from the rich ones.

Joy Division wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:


Hi Joy

I suggest you read the link again as it did mention everything yet you seem to excuse them needing unwarranted items and again I am being a realist it is not picking on anyone but showing how bad people are in thinking what they feel is necessary which is what you have failed to answer why things like sky TV are to them.
Stop distracting from the points as that is all I am seeing you do Joy!

..Didge when did I ever say that things like sky telly were essential for poor people?, it's YOU who is failing to answer things like why there is such great demand for food banks!!
I have answered this which you refuse to take the real reason this has occured, under labour this would have been the same without crisis loans, look how many sought these then come back to me and tell me it was any different?

Where have I said poor folk must have giant tvs, games consoles , cars etc?..the things you and the RW normally accuse poor folk of having , and even if some do have some of these , they could well have been gifts.
Well being as people whether poor or not place material objects above necessities, shows you are living in a dream world Joy, because many people do

I can see right through the patter of the RW Didge, that woman from ADO trying to say a poor person must sell all their furniture before applying for benefits, what an utter load of rubbish, she would not do that and neither would you...
You can see what you like, one thing is for sure you are certainly not a realist and are blind to the real problems

You must think we are all zipped up the back here didge, and judging on your posts about the poor, sick and unemployed ...I don't believe for a moment you have been as poor as you claim , or you would be more understanding of poverty.
Again you place labels with things like poor etc, I never do, I am talking about an ethos where people place material wealth over their own needs, it was never me blaming the poor, unemployed etc, that was you, sassy, Nems, Irn ect making this label, again I never did. This is the pathetic defense of left wing people, put a label on something and claim the other has said so, hilarious, shows the left talk up a lot of gobbldygook

This government has failed ifs own people, apart from the rich ones.

A Labour did not fail, shows some balance before posting as it is because of labour that we are still struggling, though at least many stupid puplic service jobs have gone that they created costing billions!

Well I'm sure these 'stupid public sector jobs' were much appreciated and needed by the folk who had them with families to support.

What a terrible attitude toward working class people didge...

So you would rather see them on the dole then?..no ,as you already treat benefit claimants with contempt, the truth is you would rather see them out of a much needed job with nothing to support their families.

..all to make you feel better.

You hate folk on benefits , you hate folk who work in the public sector, it's sounds to me that if you had your way Didge, you would have everyone you never knew work in Mcdonalds...

As I said, to make yourself feel more superior in comparison.

Roll on May 2015..Tax the rich Tory bastards to the hilt and make them pay for the misery that they've inflicted to the poor during their time in office.

Reverse the rot that they've put in place.

Joy Division wrote:You hate folk on benefits , you hate folk who work in the public sector, it's sounds to me that if you had your way Didge, you would have everyone you never knew work in Mcdonalds...

As I said, to make yourself feel more superior in comparison.

Here we go again, stop telling lies Joy, I do not hate people on benefits, what is the point of debating someone who just makes poor unfounded accusations. I want all people who can work to find work, benefits are there to assist people back into work not live their lives on them and having too many public sector jobs is non workable. The fact is under Labour the benefit system did not work, it made it better for some people to not work and live on benefits and that is wrong on all levels and I am all for benefits to help people back into work, so you are again very wrong.

So I humbly request you stop posting bollocks about nothing I have stated, the typical trait of Labour, lie!

OK, so you don't hate them, you just look down on them and tell them it's all their own fault   

Never mind, at least they can make you feel superior, perhaps they serve a purpose then   

Sassy wrote:OK, so you don't hate them, you just look down on them and tell them it's all their own fault   

Never mind, at least they can make you feel superior, perhaps they serve a purpose then   

lol I do not look down on them either, I just want many to recognise that have made errors with their money, that is not looking down on them but wanting to help them, Jesus, it is so funny how you lefties try to twist anything when you are getting battered in a debate!

Oh bless, you want them to recognise ....... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Supercilious don't even cover it!

Battered in a debate? Perhaps you should be the one doing the recognising, recognising what people actually think about your posts.

Sassy wrote:Oh bless, you want them to recognise ....... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Supercilious don't even cover it!

Battered in a debate?   Perhaps you should be the one doing the recognising, recognising what people actually think about your posts.

Clearly you do not recognise many people are living beyond their means, which is a very big worry to be honest, that means you just wish to ignore the problem, again:




Nearly nine million people across the UK are living with serious debt problems, according to a new report.

The Money Advice Service (MAS) also said very few people were making any attempt to get professional help.

The problem is particularly acute in five English cities, where more than 40% of the population is struggling to repay debt.

According to the survey, 18% of Britons, 8.8 million people, consider they have "serious" financial issues.

MAS, which is backed by the government, said that for the first time, the survey had provided a detailed understanding of the lives of those who are in debt.

The report found that 74% of those struggling with debt were "unhappy".

There is particular concern that very few people ask for help.

"Millions of people could escape their spiral of debt by accessing free advice," said Caroline Rookes, the chief executive of MAS.


I rest my case

If you haven't got enough money coming in to cover essentials you are going to get into debt.

We have more WORKING poor than we have ever had.

The only place your case should be rested is quite dark.

Its finally starting to sink in at last, so how are people getting into debt.??

Take your time on this one sassy, as you will find most people have gotten themselves into this mess and I am all for helping them!

Didge, you are so far up your own BTM that its a wonder you can see where you are going.

Yea, I want to help them, I want to stop employers being able to do zero contracts, I want a fair days pay for a fair days work, I want the Government to stop handing money to the rich and taking it from the poor etc etc, and then people won't be put in the position that they have to get into debt to feed themselves and have gas and electric etc.

They didn't get themselves into the mess, the high cost of living and the low wages got them into debt.

Sassy wrote:Didge, you are so far up your own BTM that its a wonder you can see where you are going.
More poor attempts at goading!

Yea, I want to help them, I want to stop employers being able to do zero contracts, I want a fair days pay for a fair days work, I want the Government to stop handing money to the rich and taking it from the poor etc etc, and then people won't be put in the position that they have to get into debt to feed themselves and have gas and electric etc.  

They didn't get themselves into the mess, the high cost of living and the low wages got them into debt.

People want zero hour contracts, try asking many of them and it suits as many economists have proven, whether you dislike them or not.

The reality is a culture has grown where people are living beyond their means, and to me this is a massive problem as it has driven many people into debt and they need help to manage their money! I want to see an increase from a minimum wage but competition is keeping it down, which again I am all for a rise, but many people in debt are people who get good wages also, so your view is not helping anyone, because debt affects many people.

Well, you are good for a laugh anyway lol

Sassy wrote:Well, you are good for a laugh anyway lol

And back to nothing left to counter accept more poor attempts at goading, job done !

 :D 

I was busy doing tea, and what is the point of replying to that load of trash from someone who despises the poor and thinks its their own fault. Brainwashed and cap doffing.

Sassy wrote:I was busy doing tea, and what is the point of replying to that load of trash from someone who despises the poor and thinks its their own fault.   Brainwashed and cap doffing.

More waffle, no suprise again!

No, not having waffles for tea lol

Sassy wrote:No, not having waffles for tea lol

Nonsense then, waffle is an expression that your posts fit aptly!

Anyway is boring now as you clearly have nothing to offer than banter now,

Laters

Why give you anything but banter when you ignore all evidence.

Says sassy ignoring all the evidence

The working poor have always been in debt to some extent, its just getting worse again, ever heard of people doing moonlight flits or not answering the door when the rent collector calls, that was normal for great chunk of working people. People moved a lot at one time also, if they heard of a cheaper rent in the next street they'd move, people also lived in appalling conditions crumbling buildings and riven with damp because they couldn't afford anything better, do we really want to have people to go back what their grandparents and previous generations had to endure. People who are working on ridiculously low wages should be helped to have a reasonable lifestyle, so we need to decide what is reasonable expectations in this day and age and get them to that level, this also goes for people who have worked and are now retired after that the rich can get as rich as they like. Through the 50's, 60's 70's peoples expectations grew, better wages, better housing, better educational prospects yet there we are going backwars again, well most of us the minority of rich folks just get richer whatever happens it seems.

Too true!

Vintage wrote:The working poor have always been in debt to some extent, its just getting worse again, ever heard of people doing moonlight flits or not answering the door when the rent collector calls, that was normal for great chunk of working people. People moved a lot at one time also, if they heard of a cheaper rent in the next street they'd move, people also lived in appalling conditions crumbling buildings and riven with damp because they couldn't afford anything better, do we really want to have people to go back what their grandparents and previous generations had to endure. People who are working on ridiculously low wages should be helped to have a reasonable lifestyle, so we need to decide what is reasonable expectations in this day and age and get them to that level, this also goes for people who have worked and are now retired after that the rich can get as rich as they like. Through the 50's, 60's 70's peoples expectations grew, better wages, better housing, better educational prospects yet there we are going backwars again, well most of us the minority of rich folks just get richer whatever happens it seems.  

Why do people think it is only the poor in debt, it isn't and people always lean towards using the poor which I find very poor to say the least Vintage, as nobody wants people to be in poverty and I am for there to be a living wage instead of a minimum wage as I feel this would be much better. People do also manage very well on low wages but I agree it should be more but that is down to companies, which again is being fueled by competitive markets where in fact they could move and have cheaper labour elsewhere, so it is a very difficult situation, not one easily overcome as no Government has for decades solved this. The key is always a better education to get out of poverty and that has to be willing also on those doing so, but again this is not always the case and some are concerned about learning, some in fact do not care about it. Thankfully many do, and we have to encourage all to have a better education.

I am all for better education but not only on the academic side, there's little point in going to university if you end up stacking shelves, although someone has to do those jobs and should be paid a living wage for doing it.

Vintage wrote:I am all for better education but not only on the academic side, there's little point in going to university if you end up stacking shelves, although someone has to do those jobs and should be paid a living wage for doing it.

Agreed on all points!

...Starve the unemployed, starve the poor..it's all their own fault they have no job, this government is bending over backwards to help.

Starve the disabled too, it's their fault they are disabled anyway....

That's what you really mean Didge, but you try to portray yourself and your wording as somewhat 'criticising, yet somehow understanding'

Joy Division wrote:...Starve the unemployed Please post anywhere where I have claimed that?, starve the poor.Please post anywhere where I have claimed that?.it's all their own fault they have no job, Please post anywhere where I have claimed that? this government is bending over backwards to help.

Starve the disabled too,Please post anywhere where I have claimed that? it's their fault they are disabled anyway....Please post anywhere where I have claimed that?

That's what you really mean Didge, but you try to portray yourself and your wording as somewhat 'criticising, yet somehow understanding'

I shall await for you to prove your claims to the above, of which I have never stated and would never agree to!

Accept of course you are now talking the ultimate bullshit as I think nothing of the sort, but hey this is usual Labour tactics, tell a lie long enough people will start to believe it

Joy Division wrote:...Starve the unemployed, starve the poor..it's all their own fault they have no job, this government is bending over backwards to help.

Starve the disabled too, it's their fault they are disabled anyway....

That's what you really mean Didge, but you try to portray yourself and your wording as somewhat 'criticising, yet somehow understanding'

Now that is just nonsense JD, didge did not imply anything of the sort.

He has said that people need to learn how to manage their money properly, as do I believe too

Yes he did.

Sassy wrote:Yes he did.

Post where I did then Sassy?

I never did, so Irn lies, next Catman with a claim on Vintage when the poster was Veritas, next Joy here and Sassy also lying, what is it with the left?

Yawn, just read virtually any post of yours, they all brought it on themselves.

Sassy wrote:Yawn, just read virtually any post of yours, they all brought it on themselves.  

Yes so have I and no where have I said starve the poor or any of the other claims, but hey lying is what the left do best

 :D

I just proved you have lied as no evidence

 :D 

PhilDidge wrote:

Sassy wrote:Yes he did.

Post where I did then Sassy?

I never did, so Irn lies, next Catman with a claim on Vintage when the poster was Veritas, next Joy here and Sassy also lying, what is it with the left?

So Tess resigned then came back under another ID!   

Course there's not Didge, you'd lie to get out of anything.   But then again, you are so far up yourself you probably can't see it, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Catman wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:


Post where I did then Sassy?

I never did, so Irn lies, next Catman with a claim on Vintage when the poster was Veritas, next Joy here and Sassy also lying, what is it with the left?

So Tess resigned then came back under another ID!   

Not to my knowledge but you admit you got it wrong then?

Still no evidence from sassy, oh my.

 :D 

PhilDidge wrote:

Joy Division wrote:...Starve the unemployed Please post anywhere where I have claimed that?, starve the poor.Please post anywhere where I have claimed that?.it's all their own fault they have no job, Please post anywhere where I have claimed that? this government is bending over backwards to help.

Starve the disabled too,Please post anywhere where I have claimed that? it's their fault they are disabled anyway....Please post anywhere where I have claimed that?

That's what you really mean Didge, but you try to portray yourself and your wording as somewhat 'criticising, yet somehow understanding'

I shall await for you to prove your claims to the above, of which I have never stated and would never agree to!

Accept of course you are now talking the ultimate bullshit as I think nothing of the sort, but hey this is usual Labour tactics, tell a lie long enough people will start to believe it

...I never said you said that though Didge, but I think it comes pretty close to what you really mean, you just know that if you did say those words you would look ridiculous , so you dare not.

So Didge, you don't want people to starve you say? Am I right?

So you disagree with the new benefits changes that have led to people going hungry and in some cases not eating for days? Am I right? Because after all, you can't agree with the changes if you don't want people to starve.

Joy Division wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:

I shall await for you to prove your claims to the above, of which I have never stated and would never agree to!

Accept of course you are now talking the ultimate bullshit as I think nothing of the sort, but hey this is usual Labour tactics, tell a lie long enough people will start to believe it

...I never said you said that though Didge, but I think it comes pretty close to what you really mean, you just know that if you did say those words you would look ridiculous , so you dare not.

Not said, but stated is what I mean, when I dont so you made poor accusations and lies Joy, as that is not what I mean at all.
It comes no where near, as I want a living wage to do away with the minimum wage for starters, I don;t any anyone to have to struggle for food, but am pointing out at times people do not help themselves by living beyond their means, it is part of the problem, to deny that, ist just plain daft

Joy Division wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:

I shall await for you to prove your claims to the above, of which I have never stated and would never agree to!

Accept of course you are now talking the ultimate bullshit as I think nothing of the sort, but hey this is usual Labour tactics, tell a lie long enough people will start to believe it

...I never said you said that though Didge, but I think it comes pretty close to what you really mean, you just know that if you did say those words you would look ridiculous , so you dare not.

Cap doffers and forelock tuggers JD. You'll get no sense from them.

Blame the poor, the sick, the disabled and the unemployed. That's the message from Tory central office. Striver's versus scroungers - it never changes and that's what you are seeing here.

PhilDidge wrote:Its finally starting to sink in at last, so how are people getting into debt.??

Take your time on this one sassy, as you will find most people have gotten themselves into this mess and I am all for helping them!

Because cost of living is going up and wages are not

Try again as he avoided it:

So Didge, you don't want people to starve you say? Am I right?

So you disagree with the new benefits changes that have led to people going hungry and in some cases not eating for days? Am I right? Because after all, you can't agree with the changes if you don't want people to starve

NemsAgain wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:Its finally starting to sink in at last, so how are people getting into debt.??

Take your time on this one sassy, as you will find most people have gotten themselves into this mess and I am all for helping them!

Because cost of living is going up and wages are not

Simple but exact, but Didge can't grasp it.

PhilDidge wrote:

Joy Division wrote:




...I never said you said that though Didge, but I think it comes pretty close to what you really mean, you just know that if you did say those words you would look ridiculous , so you dare not.

Not said, but stated is what I mean, when I dont so you made poor accusations and lies Joy, as that is not what I mean at all.
It comes no where near, as I want a living wage to do away with the minimum wage for starters, I don;t any anyone to have to struggle for food, but am pointing out at times people do not help themselves by living beyond their means, it is part of the problem, to deny that, ist just plain daft

..bit you make out that all unemployed people and low earners get themselves I to debt and that they are the cause of the ruin of this country Didge....these are your words, not mine.

NemsAgain wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:Its finally starting to sink in at last, so how are people getting into debt.??

Take your time on this one sassy, as you will find most people have gotten themselves into this mess and I am all for helping them!

Because cost of living is going up and wages are not

Yes that will explain why some have, not for the majority Nems, when people are living beyond their means, the fact is though those on lower incomes are now better off than they were under Labour, which makes your argument filled with holes really!

Sassy wrote:Try again as he avoided it:

So Didge, you don't want people to starve you say? Am I right?

So you disagree with the new benefits changes that have led to people going hungry and in some cases not eating for days? Am I right? Because after all, you can't agree with the changes if you don't want people to starve

Well put , come on Didge, are you going to hide from questions again?

Joy Division wrote:

PhilDidge wrote:

Not said, but stated is what I mean, when I dont so you made poor accusations and lies Joy, as that is not what I mean at all.
It comes no where near, as I want a living wage to do away with the minimum wage for starters, I don;t any anyone to have to struggle for food, but am pointing out at times people do not help themselves by living beyond their means, it is part of the problem, to deny that, ist just plain daft

..bit you make out that all unemployed people and low earners get themselves I to debt and that they are the cause of the ruin of this country Didge....these are your words, not mine.

Again I never said all the unemployed or low earners either, you just seem to be making up as you go along, I have stated quite clearly many people have gotten themselves into debt, so no they were your words not mine!

Try again as he avoided it:

So Didge, you don't want people to starve you say? Am I right?

So you disagree with the new benefits changes that have led to people going hungry and in some cases not eating for days? Am I right? Because after all, you can't agree with the changes if you don't want people to starve

How many times do I have to post it before you find the balls to answer Didge?