ON A visit to a food bank, MP Layla Moran called for financial help for those who are excluded from support measures and for an ‘exit strategy’ from lockdown.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon praised the ‘incredible generosity’ of volunteers and food donors on a visit to the Cutteslowe Community Larder this month.

The larder, in north Oxford, provides support to those in need, as well as those who want to help reduce food waste.

Ms Moran visited the centre to speak to organisers and volunteers about the pressures people are facing as Christmas approaches and as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

She said: “Coronavirus is affecting our wealth as well as our health.”

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She added: “We badly need an exit strategy that allows us to sustainably open up the economy as we suppress the virus, not go for the boom and bust lockdown approach.”

The MP also called for financial help for the millions of people who are currently excluded from support measures. She also called for people asked to self-isolate by the track and trace system to also receive support.

Ms Moran said: “Three million people remain excluded from Government support, and we need financial help for those asked to self-isolate - for too many people, it’s a case of following the rules or putting food on the table. We have to change that.”

After her visit she said: “Thank you to the Cutteslowe Community Larder for inviting me along yesterday.

"Everyone involved is showing incredible generosity, and the work of community groups such as this is important for reminding us that Christmas is all about charity.

"I’m touched by how our community has come together during this crisis.”

The MP also thanked those using the larder for helping to reduce food waste and save the planet.