Meacher claims welfare cover-up

Michael Meacher has accused the government of attempting to cover up how many people have had their benefit stopped.

The Oldham West and Royton MP said claims that numbers can only be provided at “disproportionate cost” were false.

The Labour veteran demanded answers from government over how many people in Oldham and across the country had payments stopped for four weeks, three months and three years.

He said: “Of course they know. To say it can only be provided at disproportionate cost is just so they can keep the numbers quiet, as they are so embarrassed.

“Civil servants keep a record of absolutely everything and it is an outrage to claim MPs cannot be told how many people are having benefits stopped.”

Mr Meacher has applied for a backbench debate on sanctions and is hopeful of it being granted.

He said: “I have MPs from all political parties who are backing this debate.”