Controversy as Conservative MP agrees to open foodbank

David Mundell MP says increased use of foodbanks isn't linked to Conservative welfare policies. Credit: PA

Scotland's only Conservative MP will open a new foodbank in Dumfries on Friday, reigniting controversy over his claims that increased use of foodbanks is not linked to his party's welfare policies.

David Mundell, the Scottish Secretary, is to open the Trussell Trust Foodbank at the town's Apex Centre.

But it'll be just yards away from another foodbank - the First Base Agency - which has strongly criticised the Conservatives' welfare policies in the past.

Mr Mundell said the claims from First Base Agency volunteer Mark Strickland should be "taken with a pinch of salt", because he supports Scottish Independence.

And earlier this year the MP for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale defended his party before Holyrood's Welfare Reform Committee:

However, the Trussell Trust press release announcing Mr Mundell's visit to open the new foodbank, says welfare reform is causing hardship for families.

Regarding the new foodbank, the Trussell Trust says:

The news has been attracting a lot of attention on Twitter, with many people criticising the MP:

The Trussell Trust says that Richard Arkless, the MP for Dumfries and Galloway, was also invited to the opening.