Sarah Champion MP Condemns Government Policies Pushing People in Rotherham to the Brink

Sarah Champion, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, has condemned the Conservative Government for failing to support people in Rotherham in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.

During Treasury Questions in the House of Commons, John Glen MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury said:

“The Government is doing three things to reduce inflation. We are remaining steadfast in supporting the independent MPC at the Bank of England as they continue to take action to return inflation to target, we’re making responsible decisions on tax and spending so we are not adding fuel to the fire and third, we are tackling high energy prices by holding down energy prices for households and businesses alongside investing in long term energy security.”

In response, Sarah said:

“I listened with interest to the answer the Minister gave on support for households, but it doesn’t match up with the reality in Rotherham, where constituents have increases in rent, in mortgages, in fuel, in food and cuts to public services.’

‘So, what is he actually going to do to deliver the support we need, because the offers on the table are not cutting it.”

Responding, Mr Glen said:

“Of course I recognise that this is an incredibly challenging time for the most vulnerable, but we have tried to target those interventions to the most vulnerable, listening to the low paid commission, increased the National Living Wage to £10.42, but recognising that these are difficult times, but we will get through them.”

Commenting, Sarah said:

“Rising costs and declining standards in public services are not accidental. They are the direct result of 13 years of Conservative policies that have made just getting by ever more difficult for my constituents.’

‘The Minister recognised just how difficult times are for people in my constituency, but it is clear that the Government’s response to the financial mess it itself has inflicted upon us is simply not up to the task.’

‘The Conservatives claim to be on the side of people in Rotherham. But their actions show all too clearly that they are anything but. Households across our town have been driven to the brink.’

‘Rotherham cannot afford a Conservative Government any longer.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Sarah’s question can be viewed at: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/ca378242-cf4a-44f6-9b93-a973ad30d88d?in=14:59:11