Would you like to see Duncan Smith attempt to live on £53 a week?

Iain Duncan Smith's remarks came as ministers braced themselves for a bruising clash with the House of Lords over the planned reforms (Getty Images)

The work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith, has claimed he could live on £53 in benefits a week.

Speaking on on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, he said:

"We are in an economic mess. We inherited a problem where we simply do not have the money to spend on all the things people would like us to do. What I am trying to do is get this so we don't spend money on things that are unfair."

A petition has already been set up, which has over 200,000 signatures, that challenges Smith to live on the amount for a year: "This would mean a 97% reduction in his current income".

Though a whole year might be unrealistic to ask of the politician, do you think he should put his money where his mouth is and attempt to live on the amount for a week or two?