Food bank surge is an ‘indictment’ of the British economy, says MEP

New figures from the Trussel Trust, released today, show a surge in the number of people using food banks in the UK.

Over 900,000 adults and children have received three days’ emergency food and support from Trussell Trust food banks in the last 12 months, a worrying 163 percent rise on numbers helped in the previous financial year.

Keith Taylor, the Green Party’s MEP for South East England and author of the ‘Food Bank Britain’ report released earlier this year, said: “These shocking new figures are an indictment of the British economy. Whilst Ministers pat themselves on the back this so-called economic ‘recovery’ is clearly leaving millions behind.

“Across the UK we’re seeing people facing benefits cuts, tougher sanctions and wage stagnation. At the same time bills are going up every month. It’s no wonder that so many people are struggling to feed their families.

“It is clear that the British economy is failing to work for the common good. While some people at the top continue to thrive many millions are suffering the lingering effects of an financial crisis they didn’t cause.”

Mr Taylor, who will publish details of food bank use in South East England next week, added: “With every major political party except the Greens signed up to cutting away at the welfare state it’s clearly time to change direction. We need to build an economy that works for everyone, and provides people with a decent quality of life. That means making the minimum wage a Living Wage, providing decent social security for those who need it and taking action to cut people’s bills.”