MPs have debated the Queen’s Speech in the House of Commons, The speech - which took place on 10 May - set out legislation that the government intends to pursue in this forthcoming Parliamentary session.
Stephen spoke in the debate. He discussed his fears about the cost-of-living increase. He also urged the government to provide greater support for families who are struggling to make ends meet.
In his speech, Stephen said the cost-of-living crisis effected everyone. He noted that benefits were at a historically low level, following the removal of the £20 a week uplift in Universal Credit last October. He went on to question how people would be able to continue to pay their bills in the coming months. Recent research suggested that those on benefits will be using up to 50 per cent of their benefits on energy bills alone.
Stephen argued that major changes were needed especially to the five-week wait for the first Universal Credit payment. Stephen ended his speech saying “The least-well off in our society need urgent help,”
Keir Starmer echoed Stephen’s comments. He told MPs later that the government was "out of energy" and "bereft of ideas and purpose". Keir pointed out there were few measures in the Queen's Speech to tackle the cost-of-living crisis. By contrast, he said a Labour government would tackle the cost-of-living-crisis “head on".