For 10 years I have managed Britain's largest advocacy operation at a charity called POhWER. Nationally we employ 375 advocacy, information and advice professionals committed to supporting vulnerable, socially excluded and marginalised people. POhWER works with local authorities around the country helping people to access their rights and entitlements, and helping safeguard them from harm and abuse.

As deputy chief executive, I am struck by the number of things we all take for granted and presume will always be in place, that I fear are now under threat. It is as if the fabric of our society is being slowly ripped apart by the removal of rights so fundamental we forget that we all have them. Or even that we need them at all.