The Conservatives recent announcement of tax breaks for married couples if they win the General Election may sound appealing but it is little more than another Tory tax bribe. 

Even if we put aside the big big question about how they would pay for such an expensive bribe whilst arguing the need for public service cuts everywhere because the country’s “bankrupt” , it just boils down to being blatantly unfair to millions – many of the poorest in society – and just a little patronising. 

Giving tax breaks to married couples where one person can afford to stay at home, but doing nothing for couples who both work is unfair. And penalising a woman whose husband has left her with a tax hike is unfair. 

And even if we look at the social engineering aspect of this – encouraging marriage. Have we forgotten the misery many endured in unhappy marriages in the past when it was the expected social norm. In a 21st century society that now largely respects different types of relationships, Is it not better that people find the kind of relationship that suits them and their family unit rather than encourage marriage irrespective of the consequences. Is not love, mutual respect and support within the unit more important than the type of arrangement? 

This policy ultimately takes money out of the pockets of the poorest families and gives it to rich ones. It would reopen divisions in our society that have taken generations to heal and it would punish single parents. 

The Tories’ first instinct is to help those at the top, Once again they have proven that they can’t be trusted to make this country fairer. 

Lib Dem policy to increase basic tax alowances to £10,000 benefits everyone, but by definition the lowest earners most. But crucially – it’s fair to all.