Green MP Siân Berry has written to every Labour MP urging them to vote against the government’s planned cuts to welfare spending, highlighting the “catastrophic impact” the cuts would have on disabled people. [1]
Figures from Scope this week suggested that the proposed changes will push an added 700,000 disabled households into poverty, as Starmer’s claim that “if you can work, you should work” prompting comparisons with the previous Conservative Government’s attitude to welfare.
In her letter, Siân Berry reminded Labour MPs that those in receipt of health-related benefits already face inordinate hardships, with 50 per cent of people claiming Universal Credit who have limited capability for work are unable to heat their homes or pay their bills, or have low food security.
She wrote: “I know you didn’t campaign for this, and that you stood up at the election for a welfare system based on dignity and respect. Like me, I expect you feel alarmed at the rhetoric coming from the Government that is instead scapegoating disabled people. Pushing people who are in need into deeper poverty will do nothing to address the root issues that lead to welfare claims, namely housing insecurity, poor quality jobs, huge wage inequality and a soaring mental health crisis.”
On Monday, the Green MPs will put forward a motion opposing the cuts, and in her letter Sian Berry urged all Labour MPs to back the motion. [2]
Siân Berry, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:
“This Government has a clear choice to make. It can continue the Conservative and New Labour legacy of shaming those in need, or it can address the issues that are widening inequality in our country; record high rents, food insecurity, poor-quality jobs and a billionaire class that avoids paying its fair share.
“Cutting lifeline benefits for disabled people is not what Labour MPs were elected to do. People were promised ‘change’ and instead face cuts that even George Osborne considered a step too far.
“Whatever the Prime Minister may say, there is simply no moral case for pushing more disabled households further into poverty. And I am pleading with my colleagues across the House, who I know want fiercely to protect their constituents, to take a stand against these unnecessary and cruel cuts.”
Ends
- Read the full letter to Labour MPs
- Read the Early Day Motion