Tax Credits

Debate between James Cartlidge and Seema Malhotra

Tuesday 15th September 2015 Commons Chamber

[Seema Malhotra]

I will in a moment.

These cuts in tax credits will hit working families in every constituency, and they were to be sneaked in through the back door. Indeed, when asked directly during the election campaign whether the Government would cut child tax credit, the Prime Minister said:

“No, I don’t want to do that.”

His statement was repeated on “Question Time” on 1 May. Today’s debate is about a political decision made by the Chancellor which is set to see more than 3 million families lose an average of £1,000 a year.

[James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)]

Will the hon. Lady give way?

[Seema Malhotra]

I will in a minute.

This measure is ideologically driven, it is cynical, and it will directly increase levels of poverty in Britain.

[Mr Rees-Mogg]

Will the hon. Lady give way?

[James Cartlidge]

If the measure is passed, will it be Labour’s policy to reverse it?

[Seema Malhotra]

I am unclear—[Laughter.] I am unclear about why the hon. Gentleman wishes to make this an issue about the Labour party, and not an issue about why his Government have presented the House with a measure that will have a negative impact on his constituents as well. He will have to account to his constituents for the decision that he chooses to make today when they come to his surgery, knowing that—[Interruption.]