MORE than 80 progressive leaders have signed a Dignity Declaration, warning that “some lives matter more than others” under this Labour government.

Calling for an alternative to “enrichment of the few at the expense of the many,” the letter comes in response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Spring Statement, which included a £2.2 billion increase in defence spending and further cuts to welfare.

Signatories include MPs Jeremy Corbyn, Zarah Sultana, Apsana Begum and Carla Denyer, alongside trade union leaders UCU general secretary Jo Grady, BFAWU national president Ian Hodson and National Education Union president Sarah Kilpatrick.

It has also been signed by councillors and campaigners, as well as public figures such as actor and Morning Star ambassador Maxine Peake and director Ken Loach.

The declaration coincided with the launch of Reform UK’s local election campaign, with the right-wing party hoping to make gains after overtaking Labour in polls.  

It condemns the government for pushing children and disabled people into difficulties, saying: “The government claims there is no money to lift people out of poverty, yet it finds billions for war and weapons.

“This isn’t about scarcity – it’s about priorities. And their priorities are clear: no money for us all, endless money for war.

“This is set to be the first Labour government in history under which child poverty increases.

“Labour’s failure has paved the way for Reform. We need an alternative path.”

The Dignity Declaration calls for “an alternative path based on human need, not corporate greed.”

“That would start by properly taxing multinational corporations and those with assets over £10 million so we can rebuild our schools and hospitals,” it adds.

“The people of this country have the power to turn things around.

“We are the ones who create the wealth – let’s invest it in a future that respects our planet, nurtures hope in our children, and guarantees dignity for all.”

Urging the public to sign the declaration, Mr Corbyn wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Cuts for the poor. Handouts for the rich. That’s what this Labour government stands for.

“We believe in something different.”

The declaration can be signed online.