Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jacob Rees-Mogg has said the growing use of food banks in the UK is “rather uplifting”.
The Tory MP insisted that rather than demonstrating the scale of poverty in the country, the development showed what a “good compassionate country we are”.
Speaking to LBC radio Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I don’t think the state can do everything that it tries.
“It provides a basic level of welfare … but on some occasions that will not work and to have charitable support given by people voluntarily to support their fellow citizens I think is rather uplifting and shows what a good compassionate country we are.”
Food bank use is on the rise, with data from the Trussell Trust indicating the country’s food banks provided more than a million emergency food supplies to people last year.
Mr Rees-Mogg attributed the rise to the fact that people now “know they are there”.
He said: “The real reason for the rise in numbers is because people know they are there and Labour refused to tell them.”
Last week, Mr Rees-Mogg was heavily criticised for saying he was against abortion even in cases of rape.
The devout Catholic, who is one of the richest MPs in Parliament, said “life begins at the point of conception”.
A poll of Conservative Party members this month showed he had more support than any other candidate to replace Theresa May as leader.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments