Austerity measures are causing avoidable illness and death on a major scale, public health experts have shown. In the UK and internationally, harsh cuts in public services and social services are damaging child and adult health and hindering economic recovery, yet some governments are pressing ahead.

When I received an embargoed press release a few weeks ago from the Joint Public Issues Team (The Methodist Church, Baptist Church, United Reformed Church) and the Church of Scotland about their new “Truth and Lies about Poverty” campaign, my heart leaped.

Another 50 or more protests against the government's bedroom tax, which penalises poor people and families, will take place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Easter Saturday, 30th March 2013. The majority of them are listed below. Further links at: http://www.greenbenchesuk.com/