Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Jamie Stone, has been branded a member of the ‘Anti-Growth Coalition’ by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, for asking that benefits are increased in line with inflation.
Mr Stone claimed that enabling a real-terms cut on benefits is ‘immoral’ and would have a negative knock-on effect on local economies.
The Chancellor responded that, “it is good to see a member of the ‘Anti-Growth Coalition’ is focusing on growth”.
Mr Stone commented:
“53% of people in my constituency have already started to cut back on essential groceries.
“This is an alarming statistic for many reasons.
“People are already spending less on food, on clothes, and basic necessities.
“If benefits aren’t raised in line with inflation, this means it’s a real-terms cut.
“It means people can’t spend the money they used to on essentials.
“It also means that this money isn’t being returned into our local economy or local businesses.
“The long-term effect is disastrous.
“Instead of addressing the issue at hand, the Chancellor decided to play petty politics and resort to name-calling.
“This Government is the pits.
“It’s time for a General Election.”
