When the Welfare Reform Bill was debated in Parliament we were treated to the spectacle of a front bench of millionaires, many of who inherited their wealth, laughing and sneering as the Bill passed through Parliament.

"Skivers and strivers," the most recent terms used by the Con-Dem government, are particularly disturbing and insulting.

The media campaign orchestrated by a gang of millionaires, stoking up bitterness among those in work against the unemployed is part of an ongoing and deliberate effort by the Conservative Party to divide our people.

Locally Clydebank TUC is running meetings to inform and build opposition to these attacks on our community. Our latest will be on the forthcoming Housing Benefit changes, especially the "Bedroom Tax". Speakers agreed so far are Danny McCafferty chairman of the Clydebank Independent Resource Centre, and Mark Ferguson from UNISON, an expert on housing issues.

Unfortunately we have been unsuccessful in securing a speaker from the Council's ruling Labour Group or the local MP to explain what they are doing to protect the voters from dangers arising from the Bedroom Tax. In some cases not even getting the courtesy of a reply.

Clydebank Housing Association also declined to speak at our meeting as we wanted them to discuss its proposals to introduce "mid market rents" which could spell the end of social housing.

Clydebank TUC has consistently sought to build the broadest unity against Government attacks on the Welfare State and Council services, seeking to build unity between the trades unions and the community. We welcome support from elected members of any party and none who actively oppose the cuts rather than running scared of debating with the people.

The invite to the Labour politicians still stands to speak at our meeting on January 31 at 7pm in the Hub Community Centre, Kilbowie Road, Clydebank.

Tom Morrison Secretary, Clydebank TUC