Jonathan Ashworth comments on DWP statistics showing a million more people living in poverty

Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary,commenting on DWP statistics showing a million more people living in poverty, said:

“These figures are a devastating verdict on 13 years of the Tories.

“The simple truth is after 13 years of the Tories hard-working families are worse off while increasing numbers of children and pensioners are in poverty.

“The Tories have left Britain languishing – and left families exposed to the cost to living crisis. 

“Labour’s mission to secure the highest sustained growth in the G7 will create good, new jobs and raise living standards across every part of the country.”

Ends

Notes:

• DWP statistics published today show the number of individuals living in relative poverty after housing costs rose from 13.4 million in 2020/21 to 14.4 million in 2021/22:
  https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/households-below-average-income-for-financial-years-ending-1995-to-2022