REDDITCH MP, Rachel Maclean says she has received a death threat after being asked about the cost-of-living crisis on Sky News.
The Home Office minister has come under fire after suggesting people could work more hours to protect themselves from the cost-of-living crisis.
She told Sky News: “I think what we need to focus on now is over the long-term.
“We do have these short-term pressures on us that we’re all aware of.
“But over the long-term, we need to have a plan to grow the economy and make sure that people are able to protect themselves better, whether that is by taking on more hours or moving to a better-paid job.
“These are long-term actions but that is what we are focused on as a government.”
However, the MP has accused the broadcaster of ‘deliberately and cynically’ taking her comments out of context and claims to have been ‘factually misquoted’.
She said: “This irresponsible and inaccurate journalism has fuelled a torrent of personal attacks, including a threat made against my life.”
In response to the backlash, Rachel Maclean said: “I understand times are tough for many people right now. I was very clear about this when asked a question about the cost of living on Sky News.
“There are short-term and long-term solutions needed to help families with the cost of living.
“During the interview, I set out these short-term actions, including a £22 billion package of support the government is providing, help with council tax, energy bills, increases to the National Living Wage and a Household Support Fund; and I also went on to discuss our longer-term plan.
“I was also very clear that nothing is off the table and the whole of government, including the Chancellor and Prime Minister, are looking at what more can be done to help.”
She said Sky News has crossed a line from holding her to account “to creating a fiction” and “orchestrating the abuse”.
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