Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

What recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential merits of introducing a universal basic income in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

I have not had these conversations with the Chancellor because a Universal Basic Income is not targeted at the poorest in society and is not an appropriate way for the Government to distribute money.

This Government set out a substantial package of targeted measures to provide support to people affected by coronavirus, which can be delivered quickly and effectively through existing systems.