Sunderland MP criticises 'absent' Chancellor Rishi Sunak and calls for long-term plan to protect jobs and families through lockdown

Bridget Phillipson said Rishi Sunak “must urgently come to the House [of Commons]” to set out a plan to protect jobs and livelihoods through the national lockdown after the MP claims the Chancellor’s absence has partly led to the UK having “the worse economic hit of any major economy.”

The MP took to Twitter saying “the Chancellor hasn't shown his face in Parliament for over a month” and claimed he had been ‘absent’ during much of the crisis.

In a statement she said: “We’re in a very difficult situation right now in the country. We’ve seen hospitals are being overwhelmed, the virus is running out of control and the vaccine programme is absolutely essential as part of that.

"But sadly what we have also seen is a government not setting out the help that will be available to businesses and to families to get through this crisis.

"Parliament is sitting today yet we don’t have the Chancellor here making a statement about the support that’s required.

"He’s been absent throughout much of this crisis and part of that leads to us having the worst economic hit of any major economy.”

The news comes after Mr Sunak unveiled a £4.6 billion relief package for UK retail and hospitality sectors on Tuesday where grants up to £9,000 per property will be available.

However, business groups have warned that the support is “only a sticking plaster” for immediate problems, and more financial measures will be needed.

Mr Sunak said: “The new strain of the virus presents us all with a huge challenge – and whilst the vaccine is being rolled out, we have needed to tighten restrictions further.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve taken swift action to protect lives and livelihoods, and today we’re announcing a further cash injection to support businesses and jobs until the spring.

“This will help businesses to get through the months ahead – and crucially it will help sustain jobs, so workers can be ready to return when they are able to reopen.”

Mr Sunak did not rule out further support in future, in particular business rates relief and sick pay improvements.

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