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Richard Lochhead

Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD SLAMS MORAY MP AS HE FAILED TO TURN UP AND OPPOSE CUTS TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT

20/09/2021

Richard Lochhead MSP has slammed Moray’s Tory MP for failing to turn up to a vote on the UK Government’s plans to cut Universal Credit by over £1000 a year. Mr Ross who is also an MSP representing the Highlands and Islands chose to instead attend the Scottish Parliament.

According to figures provided by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre, around 5600 households in Moray were in receipt of universal credit in May.

Mr Lochhead has expressed his serious concern that these households hit hard by the UK Government’s plans to scrap the £20 a week uplift, with many facing a double whammy of having their income slashed and paying higher taxes as National Insurance is hiked up.

Commenting Mr Lochhead said:

“In the House of Commons this week Moray’s Tory MP had the chance to stand up for his constituents and vote against the UK Government’s plans to cut Universal Credit by £1040 a year. Yet, because he is both an MSP and MP he couldn’t be in both places at once so Moray has been left without a voice in Westminster at a crucial time.

“To cut the income of the lowest paid at a time when we’re seeing food and fuel prices rise is nothing short of heartless. The UK Government’s own officials have already said that these cuts cause homelessness and poverty to rise, and as a result food bank use will soar.

“Under consecutive Conservative Governments we’ve seen reliance on Moray’s food bank increase massively and I fear that with cuts like this, that is set to continue with families pushed to the brink.

“Given the damage these cuts will cause families here in Moray, it is a disgrace that Mr Ross failed to do the right thing and oppose the Conservative Government’s plans.  

“Many people in Moray are really struggling right, and they need a full time MP who will stand up for them now more than ever.”

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