Lib Dems urge local MPs to call for more financial support for those who have lost out due to the pandemic

The Liberal Democrats have condemned the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, for failing to introduce a comprehensive plan to save jobs after it was revealed that 2,495 of people in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Constituency and 2,305 people in Preseli Pembrokeshire Constituency are currently on Universal Credit.

The figures revealed that 5.5% of people of working age in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire and 5.1% in Preseli Pembrokeshire are on Universal Credit.

Following this, Liberal Democrats urged local Conservative MPs Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb to join their calls for the Chancellor to ensure the furlough scheme remains in place until at least June 2021, and to assist the 3 million individuals still locked out of any coronavirus support schemes.

This follows the Liberal Democrats’ call for the Prime Minister to negotiate a 6 month Adjustment Period for businesses, giving them crucial breathing space once the UK leaves the EU transition period.

Alistair Cameron, Welsh Lib Dem Senedd Candidate for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire said:

“These unemployment figures reveal just how many people in Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire have been let down by this Conservative Government. Too many people will be worrying about how they’re going to put food on the table this Christmas thanks to Rishi Sunak’s failure to keep his promise that no-one would be left behind.

“That is why we have urged Simon Hart and Stephen Crabb to join us in urging the Chancellor to roll out more support for people in Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire. Unfortunately, the pandemic is far from over and it is crucial we see the Government step up to support the most vulnerable in the coming months.”

Tina Roberts, Welsh Lib Dem Senedd Candidate for Preseli Pembrokeshire added:

“The Chancellor’s constant chop-and-change approach to the furlough scheme and his inability to put together a comprehensive plan to save jobs is taking a huge toll.

“The Government must ensure furlough stays in place until at least June – and extend support to the three million people who still remain excluded from any support whatsoever. Just as crucially, Ministers must ensure there is an Adjustment Period for businesses before new trade rules begin, to avoid a second spike in redundancies.”