Call for a Universal Basic Income (UBI)

21st May, 2020

110 MPs and Peers call on the Chancellor to introduce a Recovery Universal Basic Income (UBI) in response to the coronavirus crisis.

I’m pleased to say the demand for Universal Basic Income (UBI) has now gone mainstream, and not before time.

As one of the, so far, 110 MPs and Peers calling on the Chancellor to introduce a Recovery UBI in response to the coronavirus crisis, it’s clear there is growing public support for such a policy.

Covid-19 has shone a spotlight on the frayed, tattered and neglected ‘safety net’ of our current welfare provision.

In the last sixty years we’ve had both the security of the post-war consensus safety-net followed by a punitive, neo-liberal variant.

Now, as we edge further into the challenges of the 21st century – where automation, climate collapse and pandemics are already upon us – it’s time build a solid floor under everyone. That’s something only a Basic Income can give.

The myriad of self-help, volunteer community groups that have set-up utilising technology, in response the Covid-19, are part of the future of locally lead, responsive and adaptive social support networks. UBI is therefore a key part of unlocking such potential and much more beside.

Alongside Universal Basic Services we have with UBI the genesis of a new, generous, 21st century system of societal support. More on this to come!

You can co-sign the letter here