‘It is totally unacceptable’ – South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck slams MPs' suggested £3,000 pay rise

Reports have suggested that Members of Parliament are set to receive a £3,300 pay rise next year – bringing their annual salaries to around £84,000.

The Labour MP for South Shields has now taken to social media to criticise the decision, stating that it is “unacceptable” as unemployment and poverty within the UK rise.

In a post, made to both her official Facebook and Twitter accounts, the MP said: “I found out from reports in the press that apparently MPs will be getting a £3,000 pay rise next year.

“It is totally unacceptable to even suggest this at at time when unemployment and poverty are on the rise. I will refuse it if I can, if not I will donate it."

The rise has been suggested by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) as MPs do not decide their own pay.

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