Globalisation:Centre for Social Justice: Iain Duncan Smith
Biography
Iain Duncan Smith, born in Edinburgh 9th April 1954, held the position of Conservative party leader from September 2001 and October 2003 until he was forced to step down due to a vote of no confidence. During his leadership he supported the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. After losing his leadership he co founded the Globalisation: Centre for Social Justice in 2004 as he wanted to continue to promote social justice through his passion, conservatism. He was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in May 2010 under David Cameron. He is the son of soldier in the Battle of Britian and served in the Scots guard for 6 years previous to joining parliament. He married his wife Betsy in 1982, and they have four children together - two girls and two boys. [1]
Press Releases
The father of four is dedicated to the transformation of community in order to enhance quality of life although taken through a seemingly harsh, typically Tory stance. Iain Duncan Smith (Work and Pensions Secretary)angered many when he claimed that the unemployed of Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales should get a bus to find work instead of being 'static' within their own town. [2] Labour politicians and unions said it echoed 1980s Tory minister Lord Tebbit's "get on your bike" comments. The Public and Commercial Services Union said his remarks amounted to a "disgusting insult" to the unemployed.[3] “That generation of Conservatives thought unemployment was the fault of the unemployed and with every action and utterance from this Government, it is clear that they are the true inheritors of that tradition." [4]
When speaking about benefits and the welfare state's impact on poverty Iain Duncan Smith stated "A system that was originally designed to support the poorest in society is now trapping them in the very condition it was supposed to alleviate." [5]
Notes
- ↑ Iain Duncan Smith, 'About Iain', Iain Duncan Smith MP's Website, accessed 4 November 2010
- ↑ Press Association, 'Job Vacancy numbers make mockery of Duncan Smiths bus comment - Unions', Guardian, 25 October 2010, accessed 27 October 2010
- ↑ Iain Duncan Smith tells Merthyr jobless to 'get on bus' Bristolwired, Posted 22nd October 2010
- ↑ Huw Lewis Iain Duncan Smith tells Merthyr jobless to 'get on bus' Bristolwired, Posted 22nd October 2010
- ↑ BBC News, 'Spending Review: Disabled people dread impact of cuts', BBC News online, 23 October 2010, accessed 27 October
