There is a scourge of homelessness in our land today. If you
have walked about Hackney, as I have for the last 25 years, you will recognise
this.
When I started my career Thatcher was in power and the
streets of London were carpeted with men and women in sleeping bags, largely
ignored by the yuppies who were benefiting from the deregulation of the City.
“Hello, my name is Vanessa. I’m homeless.”
“Please Sir, I’m begging you.”
“They said they would come and meet me and talk about my
problems, but it’s been weeks.”
“Big Issue”
“I’m pregnan.t”
“I’m sorry to disturb you all tonight but I’m homeless and I
need money for a hostel. If you have any spare change or food that would be
greatly appreciated.”
“I was in hospital last week. It was infected.”
“They won’t take the dog.”
“I used to work.”
“I had a heart attack.”
“Please.”
These are the voices. You have all heard them. They are
everywhere, around Waterloo, around King’s Cross, around Hackney Central. Some
of you gave money, some of you avoided eye contact and walked away. Many of you
did both at one time or another. It’s inhuman and it’s understandable.
The problem of homelessness is as bad as it has ever been in
Hackney in modern times. All of London would say that about London.
If only we could build 100,000 Council flats a year for the
next 5 years, and do away with the Right to Buy. That would get my vote.
