St Helens MP slams Queen's Speech as a 'missed opportunity' to tackle cost of living crisis

Read to the nation by Prince Charles on Tuesday, May 10, the Queen's Speech sets out the government's policies and priorities over the forthcoming parliamentary session.

With little detail on the pressing cost of living crisis, St Helens North MP Conor McGinn called the speech a "missed opportunity" to support those hit hard by soaring energy and fuel bills.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, May 11, Mr McGinn mentioned the experiences of residents in St Helens who are feeling the impacts of increasing costs, tax rises, and a National Insurance hike.

He stated that local research shows that nearly a quarter of adults in St Helens North are "finding it difficult to pay their usual household bills" and that food bank usage in his constituency has risen by almost 900 users over the last year, including 300 children.

Mr McGinn called on more support from the government to address the immediate crisis, and referenced the English Cities Fund and Town Deal Fund plans as examples where regeneration, employment, and economic opportunities are being focused on to improve life for people in St Helens.

St Helens North MP Conor McGinn (Image: Conor McGinn MP) Commenting after the debate, Conor McGinn MP said:

“This Queen’s Speech provided a gilt-edged chance for the Conservative Government to grab this cost of living crisis by the scruff of the neck, and lay the groundwork for the prosperous, securer future our communities across St Helens need post pandemic.

“It sorely missed that opportunity, and fell far short of what people needed to see.

“While Ministers sit and do nothing, we as political, business and community leaders in St Helens will keep up our record of delivery for local people by helping them face up to this crisis and tackle the big challenges facing our towns, villages and city region.”