Welfare Reform Bill

Many recipients of disability allowances face challenges which make employment unattainable, while others rely on PIP to maintain their ability to work. Restricting eligibility for these vital allowances will not achieve the Government’s stated aim of increasing employment opportunities. Meanwhile, family carers face losing the support which enables them to care for loved ones and ease the burden on our NHS.

It should not have taken a backbench rebellion to alert the Government that cuts to welfare will inflict lasting harm on the most marginalised in our society. Ministers should withdraw this Bill before Tuesday’s vote and return to the drawing board. Without a proper impact assessment, MPs are being asked to legislate in the dark, and those most affected have once again been denied a voice.

While I understand any Government must keep public spending under review and strengthen pathways into employment, I’m concerned the Government has set targets to cut benefits before they’ve properly understood the extent of the need and the challenge. If the Government were serious about reducing the welfare bill, they would invest in health and social care, tackle the root causes of chronic ill-health, and support those who live with its consequences.

My Liberal Democrat Parliamentary colleagues and I have always advocated for a more constructive approach to reducing benefit spending – one which prioritises fixing health and social care systems. This includes investing in preventative health measures, increasing the public health grant, ensuring robust mental health support (particularly for young people), and reforming social care. These measures address the root causes of welfare dependency and provide meaningful support to those who need it most.

We would raise additional public funding to pay for this by reversing the Conservatives’ tax cuts on the banks and large corporations, making large oil and energy companies pay more from their windfall profits, and ensuring the tech giants pay their way.

I have and will continue to oppose this flawed legislation, which jeopardises the well-being of those who currently rely on disability allowances. It is crucial we stand together to protect the rights and dignity of disabled people.