Rachel Maclean MP: 'Sky News crossed a line and created fiction' - The Redditch Standard

Rachel Maclean MP: 'Sky News crossed a line and created fiction'

Redditch Editorial 17th May, 2022 Updated: 17th May, 2022   0

REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean has hit back after being widely condemned for appearing to suggest that some people struggling with the cost of living could work more hours or get a better paid job.

The Home Office minister was being interviewed on Sky News at the time and her comments prompted a barrage of anger about her being an ‘out of touch Tory’.

However she said her remarks had been twisted and sensationalised to feed the ‘outrage culture’ and that the TV station had ‘crossed a line’.

She said: “Sadly, my comments have been deliberately and cynically taken out of context, and factually misquoted, by Sky News, all to fuel the outrage culture they thrive on.




“This irresponsible and inaccurate journalism has fuelled a torrent of personal attacks, including a threat made against my life.

“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.”


She added: “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 am putting out a statement today because Sky News crossed a line from holding me to account to creating a fiction.

“At the same time as orchestrating this abuse they will be loudly complaining about the quality of politicians today – or even more ironically urging us all to be kinder to each other and look after our mental health.

“Is it any wonder that good people are put off from serving their country and community when they see what we are subjected to?”

In the interview Mrs Maclean, the minister for safeguarding, said the Government wanted people to protect themselves better from the rising cost of living and in some cases, in the short term, that might mean them taking on more hours or finding a better paid job.

However she added that such an option would not work for everyone.

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