'Appalling' | Minister says people worried about food costs should 'work more' - HR has more sensible ideas

A Government minister has suggested people struggling to afford their food bills could consider working more hours.

In a line that wouldn’t sound out of place coming from Animal Farm’s Boxer, the minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Therese Coffey responded to concerns about food prices - and food banks consequently running out of stock - by saying people could boost their incomes by working “some more hours” or “get upskilled” to step into a higher paying job. The exchanges came during environment, food and rural affairs questions in the House of Commons.

Coffey admitted that high inflation was taking a toll in food costs, but then went on to say: “...of course we do know that one of the best ways to boost [UK residents] incomes is not only to get into work if they’re not in work already, but potentially to work some more hours, to get upskilled, to get a higher income, but of course the local welfare grant that was given some time ago now by central government to local councils is there for them to use as well.”

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who had raised the issue, could be heard saying “that’s appalling” following Coffey’s remarks.