Unprecedented emergency requires unprecedented response.
The SNP has called for the UK government to introduce an emergency Universal Basic Income to protect people’s incomes in the face of the Coronavirus crisis.
Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions, Ian Blackford MP (pictured) said the UK government must now deliver a wide-ranging financial package for people – to enable people to support their families, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads.
The SNP Westminster Leader said the UK government must learn the lessons of the 2008 financial crisis when “banks were bailed out – but ordinary people were not” and urged Boris Johnson to meet to discuss the proposals.
The Prime Minister agreed to meet to discuss the proposal.
Commenting, Ian Blackford MP said:
“This is an unprecedented emergency – and it requires an unprecedented response.
“Yesterday, the UK government announced a £330billion financial package for business.
“Now the UK government needs to announce a wide-ranging financial package for people.
“This must include an emergency Universal Basic Income, using the current tax system to put thousands of pounds in people’s pockets – and ensure people can support their families, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads.
“Thousands of people are already losing their jobs. Millions are facing the same threat.
“They need reassurance and support – and they need an income guarantee.
“In the last financial crisis, the banks were bailed out – but ordinary people were not.
“The UK government must not repeat history and leave families struggling to get by.
“The UK government has the finances and the powers to protect people’s incomes – and provide them with peace of mind.
“An emergency universal Income scheme would do just that.
“I urge the Prime Minister to deliver this support as part of a wide-ranging financial package to protect the incomes of all our people.”
