Recent history suggests that the British people will largely tolerate deeper welfare cuts than many politicians or pundits believe will be acceptable. Almost all the welfare cuts put in place by the coalition, including the “bedroom tax,” the welfare cap, changes in ESA and disability allowances – they were all predicted to be political poison to a Tory party struggling with its “nasty” image. And they were all swallowed happily and quietly by enough of the electorate to give the Tories a majority over parties that wanted a more generous welfare system.