Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer has sparked controversy after suggesting that individuals choose to use food banks, including some members of the armed forces. Mercer made these remarks while defending military pay levels during an interview with Sky News.
According to Mercer, the use of food banks can be attributed to personal budgeting decisions made by individuals. He stated, “These are personal decisions around how people are budgeting every month. I don’t want to see anyone using food banks, of course, I don’t. But we’re in an extremely difficult time around the cost of living.”
When confronted with the notion that people do not choose to rely on food banks due to their financial circumstances, Mercer responded, “Well, in my experience that is not correct. I think there are some dire cases that we need to do more to wrap our arms around and make sure that there is a safety net for people. I don’t think food bank use is an accurate portrayal of where levels of poverty, relative or absolute poverty, are in this country.”
Mercer’s remarks have drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the assertion that individuals willingly turn to food banks. The use of food banks is typically a result of financial hardship and is often supported by referrals from services or specialists, such as doctors, social workers, or Citizens Advice.
Despite the backlash, Mercer maintained his position, stating that being in the military still offers a good wage and quality of life. He also emphasised his commitment to advocating for higher pay for service personnel within the constraints of a budget.
This controversy comes as Mercer announced a dedicated helpline for homeless veterans, which is part of a £8.55 million program aimed at ending veteran rough sleeping. The hotline, funded by the government, will connect ex-servicemen and women with housing providers, charities, and local authorities to ensure they receive the support they need.
Mercer expressed his determination to eradicate rough sleeping among veterans, stating, “There is no need for a veteran to be sleeping rough, and I don’t want to see anyone sleeping rough by the end of this year.”
Critics argue that Mercer’s comments regarding food bank usage downplay the underlying issues of poverty and financial hardship faced by many individuals in the UK.
