NORTH Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis has defended the Government against claims that it is “keeping people skint and hungry” and does not have a plan to address food poverty.

Shadow environment secretary Jim McMahon told the House of Commons: “The Government’s own food security report relies on the existence of food banks to keep the UK fed, but food banks can’t keep up today with the rocketing demand, so, far from levelling up, what we really see in reality is that our northern regions are the hardest hit with the highest levels of food insecurity.

“Isn’t it the truth that the Government’s record of low wages, low growth, record tax rises and out-of-control inflation is keeping people skint and hungry, and the Government just hasn’t got a plan to address this?”

Ms Prentis, who is minister of state at the department for environment, food and rural affairs, replied: “I absolutely dispute that, we very much have a plan to continue to help people with pressures on the cost of living.

“This is a very difficult and sensitive issue. Often the highest costs are, in fact, in the housing or in the fuel sphere, but it is important that we continue to work with the Trussell Trust and others with whom we have an excellent working relationship after the pandemic.”

She added: “I think it is important that we dial down the political tone on this and continue to help people who need it.”

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