
DESPITE desperate concessions to keep his “repugnant” welfare reform plan — which could plunge a quarter of a million people into poverty — on the road, the Prime Minister faces calls for it to be consigned to history.
In the face of a rebellion, thought to have grown to about 150 MPs, and facing a choice between defeat and a possible vote of confidence, or reliance on Tory support to carry the crunch vote on Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmer was forced to shift on the plans he had staked what was left of his political reputation on.
The concessions were outlined in a letter to MPs by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, and offered an accelerated review of Personal Independence Payments (PIP), a guarantee proposed changes would not apply to current PIP claimants, and that those in receipt of the universal credit health element would have their “incomes fully protected in real terms.”
Sir Keir commented: “We talked to colleagues, who’ve made powerful representations, as a result of which we’ve got a package which I think will work, we can get it right.”
While the author of an amendment to the Bill which became a lightning rod for the Labour rebellion, Meg Hillier, was satisfied with the change, others remained far from convinced.
Long a public opponent of the plans, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth Brian Leishman told the Star: “These so-called ‘concessions’ have succeeded only in turning horrific, cruel and wicked proposals into awful ones.
“I will not be voting for something that cuts £3 billion from the welfare system.
“The government now needs to show some leadership and some common sense.
“They should withdraw the Bill, take the time to talk to MPs, talk to those affected and come back with a plan for a welfare system worthy of the name.”
The view was echoed by Richard Burgon MP, who said: “These changes are nowhere near enough.
“This Bill is still really all about balancing the books on the backs of disabled people.
“MPs should not be voting to take away vital support from disabled people who need help washing, cutting up their food, or using the toilet.
“I will vote against the Bill, and I call on the government to withdraw it entirely.”
Mr Burgon highlighted Disability Labour’s continuing concerns about the planned cuts. The group said the legislation still contains raised eligibility thresholds for PIP, reductions in universal credit support for those unable to work, and ”unexplained and unaddressed proposals to change the ’severe conditions criteria’ which determine long-term entitlement to support.”
“It is significant that Disability Labour — the Labour Party’s official disabled person’s affiliate organisation — has issued a statement that the government’s concessions are insufficient and is calling on all MPs to vote against the benefits Bill on Tuesday,” he said.
Many other MPs vowed to vote against, including Norwich South’s Clive Lewis and Nottingham East’s Nadia Whittome. The Independent Alliance of MPs, whose Jeremy Corbyn put down an amendment to block the cuts before Dame Meg, said it would still oppose the legislation outright.
While the Welsh Labour government welcomed the shift, Plaid Cymru social justice spokesperson Sioned Williams said: “Disability support must be based on need, not on arbitrary timelines.
“The truth is that these plans for a two-tiered system are just as cruel and do nothing to address the fundamental injustice at the heart of these proposals.
“It’s time for Labour to go back to the drawing board to create a system that reflects dignity, equity, and compassion.”
The reception was little better in Scotland, where Scottish TUC general secretary Roz Foyer commented: “This Bill should be consigned to history and never return to the floor of the house.
“It’s stark, if not entirely illuminating of their priorities, that the instinct of this Labour government is to punch down on the sick, disabled and unemployed — as if they’re the ones somehow responsible for the mismanagement of our public finances — rather than go after those with supreme wealth and assets.
“Whatever ‘concessions’ have been offered to try and make the repugnant more palatable is clearly the wrong approach.
“We need empathy, humanity and support for those seeking to return to work, not demonisation.“
Summing up sentiment, Linda Burnip of Disabled People Against the Cuts told the Star: “Don’t become ill or disabled in Labour Britain.
“I’m not sure what Starmer’s motives for proposing such a ridiculous two-tier system are but they won’t buy disabled peoples’ silence or backing.”