Home Local News David Morris MP denies poverty and blocks criticism

David Morris MP denies poverty and blocks criticism

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We at SkemNews received an email relating to a news report of the levels of poverty in Morecambe in Lancashire. We thought that we would publish the full letter ‘as is’ due to the importance of the subject matter.

 

Dear Editor,

As County Councillors and Shadow Cabinet Members for Health, Education and Children’s Services we are disappointed, but not surprised, to see David Morris MP deny the level of poverty suffered by people in his constituency, Morecambe and Lunesdale. As shown in the shocking ITV News report [twitter.com/DanielHewittITV/status/940548373551222784] children in Morecambe are suffering diseases of poverty like rickets. Additionally, schools are having to provide washing machines because parents can’t afford a washing machine or a visit to the launderette.

The film showed the brutal effects of Government policies and the caring nature of schools, who have always tried to provide for the neediest families. However, this need has grown exponentially and unfortunately this picture of poverty and hardship is being repeated across Lancashire.

Mr Morris, via his Facebook page, treats the evidence of poverty presented in the ITV News report with disdain, calling them merely ‘claims’ that he didn’t recognise. He also said that only particular schools and GP surgeries were reporting this, insinuating a different motive to these professionals’ reports. In a Granada Reports interview, he openly accused these professionals of being a front for political organisations.

Local people are telling us that their attempts to meet Mr Morris and to pass on their comments to his statements have been rebuffed. Reasonable questions over what action he would be taking have been deleted from his Facebook page. Many of the comments deleted by Mr Morris were seen by colleagues before they were deleted and we have been assured that they were not abusive or harassing.

This picture of poverty and Conservative denial is being played out across Lancashire. It is unacceptable that children are going hungry and dirty in the sixth richest country on earth. The Government must change its policies, particularly on Universal Credit, immediately and commit to eradicating poverty in this country.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr Nikki Hennessy, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools

Cllr Lorraine Beavers, Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

Lizzi Collinge

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