Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Defence

Oral Answers to Questions

Stephanie Peacock Excerpts
Monday 18th July 2022

(2 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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We take any potential anomaly extremely seriously, and I would be pleased to meet the hon. and learned Lady to discuss that specific case. If I may make a general point, it is a bit rich to be told to take lessons on the cost of living from the Scottish National party, given its tax hike on armed forces personnel. There are 7,000 personnel in Scotland who pay £850 more on average, thanks to the SNP tax hike, which should be reviewed. It is absolutely outrageous.

Stephanie Peacock Portrait Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley East) (Lab)
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The Government’s own figures show that at least 33,000 veterans are on universal credit, and estimates suggest the actual figure could be double that, so why does the Government’s veterans strategy cut specialist employment support in jobcentres—which would help veterans on universal credit who are out of work get back into employment—by 50%?

Leo Docherty Portrait Leo Docherty
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We on the Conservative Benches will not perpetuate the myth that receiving universal credit is a bad thing. Many of these people are in high-paid and good jobs. It is a reflection of the fact that this Government support people into work and that military service gives them skills for life.