IAN Blackford asked the first question at the UK Parliament’s debut digital PMQs session today – putting pressure on the UK Government to adopt a universal basic income scheme to deal with the economic issues sparked by the coronavirus crisis.

The SNP has led calls for such a scheme which would see everyone paid the same amount regardless of their own financial situation. Today more than 110 opposition MPs, including the SNP MPs, signed a letter arranged by the Basic Income Conversation group to encourage the UK Government to adopt such a policy.

A universal basic income would seek to see off the prospect of an economic “cliff edge” which may occur when the UK Government’s furlough scheme comes to an end once the Covid-19 lockdown is over. But last week Chancellor Rishi Sunak indicated he did not support such a measure.

Speaking to Dominic Raab, who replaced Boris Johnson at the dispatch box today as the Prime Minister continues his coronavirus recovery, Blackford urged ministers to consider the policy option.

He kicked off the questions by saying: “As the Covid-19 pandemic continues we are reminded every day of the terrible toll it takes on our society – but also of the heroic effort of our frontline workers and I would like to take the opportunity to put on record our gratitude for everything that they do.”

“It is now 34 days since the Chancellor first announced a package of economic support, at the time heralded as a package of support for all businesses and workers during this health emergency. And yet 34 days on thousands of businesses and individuals have found themselves with no income, with no support and no end in sight and all because of arbitrary cut-off dates and bureaucratic barriers imposed by this UK Government. People are being left behind.

“Today the SNP is leading a cross-party call for a universal basic income to finally protect everyone. It will put cash in people’s pockets, and it will help ensure a strong economic recovery and a fairer society. Can the first Secretary of State give us a straight answer today. Does he support this proposal or does he reject it?”

After agreeing with Blackford on the need to express gratitude for the work of frontline workers, Raab replied: “I don’t agree with his point on a universal income, the Chancellor has I think quite rightly adopted an announced a series of measures second to none in the world to support workers through the job retention scheme, to make sure that for those who don’t quality other support like an increase in Universal Credit, working tax credits, are able to deal with the challenge. And I think we need to have a very focused approach providing the resources to those who need it most and a universal income without being based on need wouldn’t provide that.”

Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, acting LibDem leader Ed Davey and all MPs from Plaid Cymru, Alliance, SDLP and Green parties were among those who signed the letter asking the Government to consider a universal basic income today.

Critics of the policy have claimed it could lead to higher taxes and less effective targeting of support towards the poorest in society.