Tory Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said he doesn't think Universal Basic Income is the "right response" to coronavirus. Instead Mr Sunak has defended Universal Credit which many of those who have lost their jobs because of covid-19 and are facing hardship are having to fall back on.
Some 1.6million benefit claims have now been made since coronavirus began devastating the UK, the Tory welfare chief said today.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said 1.4million claims for Universal Credit have now been made since the middle of March - around 7 times the usual average.
On top of that, she said, there have been 200,000 claims for 'legacy' benefits Jobseekers' Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance.