Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pension, responding to the publication of the Trussell Trust report, showing half a million emergency food parcels distributed by foodbanks in six months, said:

“The Trussell Trust report showing that the UK is on course for a record number of people needing to use emergency food parcels is a damming indictment of the Tory Government’s failure. Even more staggering in the run up to Christmas is almost 200,000 children will be relying on a food parcel to get a decent meal. 

“It is clear that delays in benefits payments and changes to eligibility are a major cause  behind this increase.

“While the Tories continue to look the other way, refusing to accept the evidence, I’ve announced that Labour would scrap their punitive sanctions regime.

“Labour will transform our social security system, ensuring that it is there for everyone in their time of need.”

ENDS