RECENTLY published statistics show a significant rise in Universal Credit claims across the county – up everywhere and even in more prosperous parts where it’s usually rare.

Times are hard and Christmas could be bleak for many, which is why retaining the £20 uplift that’s been added to it is vital. What’s paid out anyway is hardly a king’s ransom, and simply heating and eating is hard enough for many, as increased foodbank use sadly shows.

Poverty isn’t just increasing at home but around the world. That’s why Government proposals to cut international aid are so despicable. The challenges we’re facing in this land are as nothing to what developing countries are enduring. I believe it’s a moral obligation to tackle poverty both at home and abroad.

But even those who don’t share that view should realise it’s a necessity, simply for our own wellbeing. If we don’t address the challenges in these lands, then coronavirus will simply be the first of many global pandemics we’ll face. Moreover, refugee crises and even terrorism will worsen.

That was compounded by an increase in defence expenditure when it’s a war on poverty we should be waging, not investing in weapons of mass destruction. That will have to come from cuts to other budgets and we’ll all end up paying the price.

The cruelty of coronavirus was also brought home to me personally last week attending the funeral of an old friend. Participating by Zoom was the least I could do but a far cry from what I’d have liked.

Gathering at the crematorium or church, sharing anecdotes, showing support for the bereaved family, are all lost, yet are so cathartic and important to the grieving process. It felt far from adequate and it must be so much harder for close family.

On a happier note, I’ve been using the enjoyleisure sports facilities. It can’t be easy for staff working under all the restrictions but they’re doing a remarkable job with good grace. Well done all.