Lockdown: Economic Support Debate

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Department: HM Treasury

Lockdown: Economic Support

Mary Kelly Foy Excerpts
Tuesday 3rd November 2020

(3 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Steve Barclay Portrait Steve Barclay
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My right hon. Friend is right to pick up on that grievance culture. Through our ability to act on a UK basis, we have been able to offer the unprecedented support that we have to date. Furlough has always been a UK-wide scheme and, as the Prime Minister said, the Government will always be there to provide support to all parts of the United Kingdom.

Mary Kelly Foy Portrait Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham) (Lab)
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Last month, the Government disgraced themselves by voting against extending free school meals into the holidays for our most vulnerable children. Even if the Government will not reverse that cruel decision, will they at least follow Action for Children’s recommendations and extend free school meals for all families in receipt of universal credit?

Steve Barclay Portrait Steve Barclay
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The hon. Lady raises a serious issue and one that all Members of the House care deeply about, but it is also important to look at the package as a whole. We have put in an additional £9 billion of welfare support, recognising the increasing pressures. That includes the £20 uplift on universal credit, the lifting of the minimum income guarantee and the various other measures in the package. Above all, retaining jobs and getting people back into the labour market is the best way that we can protect people from poverty.