SIR – The increased usage of food banks both locally and nationally is cause for very great concern.
It therefore seemed appropriate that a motion was debated in the House of Commons on December 18 drawing attention to the need to determine the factors causing this increase, and suggesting that ways be investigated to reduce this use. However, West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin opposed this motion.
May we ask her to explain why to her constituents?
During the same debate, the Tory MP for Chester said, “Too often people suggest that we should be ashamed of our food banks, but I disagree.
Food banks play a key role in a caring society.”
If this is the case, then why did the Work and Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, both refuse to meet the leader of the main UK food bank and refuse to accept the £22 million available to the UK from the EU to support food banks? Perhaps Mrs Baldwin would like to answer these questions too?
MALCOLM SCOTT
Leigh
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