NEWPORT shoppers sent the Chancellor a clear message this weekend that the plan to cut universal credit by £20 a week should be scrapped.

Newport's MPs, MSs and Unite Community members joined together to urge local people to add their voices to those demanding that the cut be cancelled.

They organised a street stall in the city centre.

The protest took to Commercial Street on Saturday to invite shoppers to give their opinion on a ‘cutometer’; a device on which people are asked to place a coloured sticker to give a Yes or No to the government’s planned cut.

“Scores of people used the sticker to say No”, said organiser Steve Cocks.

“Hardly anybody said Yes.”

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Labour Party activist Nicola Vignoli said: “We were handing out leaflets and inviting people to give their opinion on the ‘cutometer’.

"Large numbers of people clearly believed that the cut is wrong and were keen to register this.”

Both Newport MPs have voted against the cut at every opportunity.

Newport East MP, Jessica Morden, was on her way to the Labour Party Conference but sent a message of support.

Newport West MP, Ruth Jones, joined party members to show her support, to listen to people’s views and hear the concerns of those affected.

Shoppers were also given the opportunity to send a card to the Chancellor spelling out the disastrous impact of the £20 cut on many families in Newport.

More than 350 people sent a card urging the chancellor not to take £1,040 a year out of people’s pockets as they recover from the pandemic and face the end of furlough.

With rising food and heating costs many families are already facing a bleak winter.

Local party activist Bev Perkins said: “Lots of people felt very strongly about this issue. Many families would inevitably be pushed into debt and poverty.

"Lots of people wanted to send the Chancellor a clear message.

"They took no persuading.”