Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the DWP’s statistics on sanctions for Income Support, said:

“It is shocking to see that this Tory government has unfairly sanctioned over 30,000 lone parents in a single year. These are people who are trying their best for their families, while navigating an unsupportive and obstructive Tory social security regime.

“That this government chooses to unfairly sanction mothers trying to keep their head above water, rather than offer them the support they need, shows that they are the same old Tories. Only Labour can be trusted to transform the social security system, based on principles of dignity, security and inclusion.”