In a fantastic win for the 3 million people who are currently excluded from financial aid schemes in the current Coronavirus crisis, Munira successfully asked the Leader of the House, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, to set up a meeting between representatives of the Gaps in Support All-Party Parliamentary Group and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP.
Munira cited that the Chancellor had failed to reply to many letters sent by the APPG, which has more than 260 MPs as members. He also failed to meet with representatives of the APPG or Excluded UK in a fundamental refusal to acknowledge the existence of millions financially struggling through the crisis.
In addition, Rees-Mogg did not accept that there were problems with the schemes speaking in the Chamber on Thursday. However, the Leader of the House did say that he would try to secure a meeting to discuss the issues. Chair of the APPG, Jamie Stone MP, and Munira have written to Rees-Mogg confirming the offer he made.
Munira said:
“This is a fantastic step forward for the people left out of the Government’s Covid-19 support schemes. At last, hope is on the horizon for the 3 million people who are currently excluded. I will continue to fight for their inclusion. Their voices need to be heard”
Letter to Jacob Rees-Mogg
Following the encounter in the Chamber, Munira and Jamie Stone MP (Chair of the APPG for Gaps in Support) wrote to Jacob Rees-Mogg, urging him to keep his word to set up a meeting:
The text of the letter reads:
Dear Leader of the House of Commons,
We note with extreme gratitude your offer to facilitate a meeting between the Gaps in Support APPG, representatives of the key groups that have been excluded from Government support and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, extended yesterday in the Chamber of the House of Commons. For many, this will feel like a giant step in the right direction. At least 3 million people have missed out on the Government’s financial support schemes. These people deserve the chance to be listened to. We urge you to follow through with your offer to facilitate a meeting. We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Munira Wilson MP
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Health and Social Care
Jamie Stone MP
Chair of the Gaps in Support APPG