The problem with austerity is that it is, by nature, unfair.

Some sections of society have inevitably been much more affected by the past decade of cuts than others.

Thus the phrase “We’re all in it together” was as disingenuous as it was contrived.

The other problem with austerity is that it doesn’t end.

It becomes a mindset, creating a self-perpetuating framework that demands more and more sacrifice from those most affected.

The only way out is for it to be ended- in the 1870s and the 1930s, this was only brought about by international conflict in the form of two world wars.

If we have learned anything from those two periods of history, it must be that societal and economic pressures lead to extreme political outcomes.

With the dramatic rise in nationalism taking place across many Western countries, this lesson must not be ignored.

Patriotism is important but it will not create a safe space for democracy unless people are able to trust that their lives – and those of their descendants - can improve.

For lower-income families in particular, this is gravely in doubt at present.

The immediate effects of the austerity imposed on the UK are all too obvious.

There has been dramatic rise in child poverty, a major decline in the quality of public services, especially in the care sector, and stagnating real incomes - particularly for those on lower incomes.

That this may be coming to the beginning of an end is scant consolation for those who have endured at least ten years of hardship.

That it may not have solved the problems it was supposed to address adds a sense of injury to the injustice.