REES-MOGG: FOODBANKS ARE RATHER UPLIFTING
Bungling Tory is ‘out of touch’
TORY Jacob Rees-Mogg has sparked new fury by praising the surge in foodbanks.
The millionaire City investor, touted as a future Conservative leader, said handouts to families were “rather uplifting” and show how “compassionate” we are.
Old Etonian Mr Rees-Mogg, 48, insisted the only reason for the rise in foodbanks was because “people know they are there” due to the Government publicising the fact.
But Britain’s biggest foodbank charity distanced itself from his remarks, while Labour blasted him as “an out-of-touch Tory”.
Only last week, devout Catholic Mr Rees-Mogg had to defend himself after saying he was “completely opposed to abortion” even for victims of rape.
Yesterday, the Somerset MP voiced his controversial views on foodbanks, saying: “I don’t think the state can do everything that it tries.
“It provides a base of welfare that should allow people to make ends meet but, on some occasions, that will not work. There is a need for some private charity on top of what the state provides.
“To have charitable support, given by people voluntarily, is rather uplifting and shows what a compassionate country we are.” The Trussell Trust issued nearly 1.2 million emergency food parcels last year, its highest number ever and up from 61,000 in 2010/11. Mr Rees-Mogg, who lives in a Grade II-listed manor house with his wife Helena, six children and nanny, put the huge increase down to the Government changing rules so JobCentre Plus staff could “tell people foodbanks existed”. Yet Trussell said only 5% of people it helped last year were referred by JobCentres. And the Trust’s Garry Lemon said: “The dramatic rise in use cannot be attributed to awareness alone. Foodbanks are an emergency service and cannot solve structural problems.”
Labour Shadow Cabinet minister Ian Lavery said: “The real reason people are going to foodbanks in record numbers is because the Tories have slashed public sector jobs and living standards.
“Rees-Mogg is the dictionary definition of an out-of-touch Tory.”
Meanwhile, speaking of his ambitions to be PM, Mr Rees-Mogg said “no one serious” believes he is a credible Tory leader candidate.