Responding to reports that Iain Duncan Smith and other DWP ministers are refusing to meet with food bank charities, Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary said:

“Half a million people have been relying on food banks since April this year because of David Cameron’s cost-of-living crisis.

“The Trussell Trust and other organisations are on the front line of dealing with this growing problem. Iain Duncan Smith and his ministers should meet with them to discuss what can be done about food poverty rather than burying their heads in the sand.

“A Labour government would address the cost-of-living crisis by acting to freeze energy prices, help more employers to pay a living wage, and expand free childcare to help more parents earn a living for their family. With the Tories all you get is tax cuts for millionaires and food banks for the poor.”

ENDS