Apsana Begum MP calls for “urgent action” so that “no child is held back or hungry as a result of poverty and no home is too cold because of cost.”

Apsana Begum MP, Labour MP for Poplar and Limehouse, responding to rising child poverty, soaring fuel bills, and rising food prices, said

“Thousands are slipping through the cracks – as more and more are being pushed into desperation.

“The shocking reality of child poverty, in particular, continues to blight our communities.

 

“Too many are struggling to heat their homes or put food on the table.

“The Government must not stand by, and watch people go under while scapegoating hardship by continuing to pursue measures to arbitrarily limit welfare spending.

 

“A comprehensive rescue package is needed.

“To start with: winter fuel payments could be doubled, the £20 cut in Universal Credit be reinstated immediately, VAT on household bills scrapped and energy companies could be taken into public ownership to ensure that rather than profits being siphoned off, money is instead spent on reducing bills for consumers and ensuring proper pay and conditions for workers in the sector.

 

“We need urgent action so that no child is held back or hungry as a result of poverty and no home is too cold because of cost.”