Labour advantages backlash rages as MPs warn Cabinet minister that cuts will ‘devastate lives’
Labour fury over benefits cuts erupted in the Commons today as MPs warned ministers they will ‘devastate lives’.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall came under fire from her own side as she took questions in the House.
She faced demands to abandon ‘unfair’ efforts to trim the spiralling costs, with left-wingers instead insisting the government should ‘tax the rich’.
Keir Starmer is facing potentially his largest rebellion yet over plans to make it harder to claim disability payments and go on the long-term sick.
More than 80 backbenchers have put their names to a private letter to No10 raising concerns about the plan, which will save £7billion and aims to get those who can work into jobs.
They are said to be unhappy about the fact that the full impact of the cuts will not be revealed until after the vote in June.
It comes after more than 40 MPs from the party’s left said they would not vote for the change because of the impact on those already struggling to make ends meet.
Ms Kendall tried to mollify anger in the chamber by announcing she has launched a review of personal independence payments (Pip).
‘Personal independence payments is a crucial benefit that makes a contribution towards the extra costs of living with a disability,’ she said.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall came under fire from her own side as she took questions in the House
Labour MP Polly Billington took issue with plans to stop those aged under 22 getting access to the health element of Universal Credit
‘I know how anxious many people are when there’s talk about reform, but this Government wants to ensure Pip is fair for people who need it now and into the future.
However, Bradford East MP Imran Hussain said: ‘Many of the 41,000 disabled people in Bradford, who rely on Pip to live with dignity and stability are rightly horrified by these proposed costs. In particular the four-point rule has the potential to devastate the lives of tens of thousands of people in Bradford overnight.
‘So let us be clear, these plans would take away the vital lifeline from those with the greatest need, living in the most deprived areas, often. I cannot support any cuts that worsen inequality in places like Bradford.
‘So I say to the minister, in absolute sincerity, please listen to the growing calls, in this place and out there, to scrap these unfair cuts and instead do the right thing by taxing the super rich so they can pay their fair share?’
Ms Kendall replied: ‘I hear very clearly what my honourable friend says, but I also want to be clear to the House – for people who can never work, we want to protect them. For disabled people who can work, we want to support them.
‘The truth is that if you are a disabled person and in work, you are half as likely to be poor than if you are out of work. We want to improve people’s chances and choices by supporting those who can work, to do so, and protecting those who cannot.’
Fellow Labour MP Polly Billington took issue with plans to stop those aged under 22 getting access to the health element of Universal Credit.
‘Can she explain to me how denying access to the heath-related element of Universal Credit will help these young people into work?’ she asked.
Replying for the government, employment minister Alison McGovern said: ‘We have a consultation on a number of policy areas relating to the question that’s been asked, but as I’ve said, in the end, young people need a chance and opportunity and a start, and in places like Thanet where there is significant poverty and challenges but great opportunity, I want to make sure we serve both employers and the young people who need them much better.’
Bradford East MP Imran Hussain delivered a stinging rebuke in the Commons today
