Could-be Tory PM Jacob Rees-Mogg faces backlash after calling food banks ‘uplifting’

‘Conservative activists’ favoured leadership contender, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has faced a fierce backlash after saying that food banks provided by charities and faith groups to support struggling families are actually “uplifting.”
In an interview on LBC radio on Thursday, the North-East Somerset MP said the rise in the number of food banks across the country is actually a good sign, as it goes to shows “what a compassionate country we are.”
When challenged by a listener, who pointed out the record number of food parcels handed out last year, Rees-Mogg said: “I don’t think the state can do everything.”
He added: “It tries to provide a base of welfare that should allow people to make ends meet during the course of the week, 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.”’
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