They were speaking as the issue was debated today int he House of Commons. Strangford MP Jim Shannon and Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart both highlighted the impact of the cut on people in Northern Ireland.
Speaking afterwards Jim Shannon said, "Northern Ireland, like other areas has seen an increase in the number of people experiencing poverty and in people living in absolute poverty.
I know first-hand of the experiences suffered by many of my constituents and those are replicated across every constituency. People are worried sick about how the cut to universal credit and how it will impact upon them. Given the linkage between poverty and other issues there can be little doubt that this cut will not only impact on the levels of poverty suffered by those on the lowest incomes but will also have a detrimental effect on their health.
The government needs to re-think these plans which are opposed by a wide cross-section of people, including even former Conservative Cabinet Ministers.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart added, "The financial pressures felt by many families during the pandemic still remain and will be exacerbated as the furlough scheme winds down. The plans to increase National Insurance contributions will also hit lowest paid workers the hardest and combined with rising food, fuel and other living costs many people are set to face much greater financial strain.
Now is not the time for taking this money off households. It is the time to continue support until we emerge fully from the pandemic and the economic tsunami that has hit every corner of the UK.”