VIDEO: Taunton MP says people in Taunton Deane have 'more money in their pockets'

Ms Pow was speaking during a Budget Resolutions session at the Houses of Parliament on Thursday, November 23.

Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, responded to the comments by accusing Ms Pow of 'displaying an ignorance about what large numbers of people are experiencing'.

A petition has now been set up calling for Ms Pow to resign in the aftermath of the comments.

Rebecca Pow said in Parliament: "The people in Taunton Deane (who) speak to me, they've actually got more money in their pockets.

"We have put up the national living wage, we have cut income tax by raising the personal allowance and again we have frozen fuel duty so people have actually got thousands more in their pockets than they had under the Labour Government."

Mr McDonnell responded, saying: "I know the honourable lady is well intentioned but can I just say she has displayed an ignorance about what large numbers of people are experiencing.

He added: "I just say that all of us, who are on relatively high wages, need to understand and be very careful when we talk about levels of income, levels of wealth, when we know so many people - four million of our children - are actually living in poverty and two thirds of those children are living in households where someone is at work.

"That says something about low pay to me and it should do to all of us."

READ MORE: MP responds to criticism over 'more money' remarks

The exchange has since gone viral, with video of the debate being retweeted thousands of times and social media users having their say.

Guessing Tory MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, is unaware that Taunton Foodbank had to give away 3,312 X 3-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis last year? Source: https://t.co/p6aukgLA1d https://t.co/cSlJwjyRGh

— Sarah (@ScouseGirlMedia) November 23, 2017

Rebecca Pow's ridiculous comments certainly speaks for the few and not the many when she says, "The people in TD tell me they actually have more money in their pockets..."

Living in Taunton Deane I know this is not true. We have areas of real poverty & deprivation. pic.twitter.com/g61aY3lKJp

— I was a JSA claimant (@imajsaclaimant) November 23, 2017

An online petition has also been set up, with more than 100 people joining calls for Ms Pow to stand down.

Ms Pow responded to the criticism, saying she was highlighting specific announcements in Wednesday's Budget.

• What do you think? Do you have 'more money in your pocket' now than in previous years? Or do you think Ms Pow is wrong?

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