In Bolton South East, 45% of our children live in poverty, well above the national average.

I believe this situation will be even worse if the planned £20-a-week cut to UC goes ahead in September.  This would take away £1,000 a year from six million of the poorest families in the country.

My Opposition Colleagues and I have opposed this cut from the beginning.  Indeed, earlier this year, we help an Opposition Day Debate on UC and voted against the cut, however, this vote is non-binding and the Government is still planning to make the cut.

I have recently written to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, and asked him to abandon the cut.  I have posted a copy of this letter below for you to see.

I can assure you that my Opposition Colleagues and I will continue to oppose the cutting of UC at every opportunity in Parliament.