A LABOUR MP has warned ministers against “draconian cuts” ahead of expected welfare reforms, cautioning that changes could deepen tensions between the government and backbenchers.

Rachael Maskell said she had received a “flurry of emails” from constituents alarmed by potential cuts and urged a “carrot not a stick” approach to reform

Speaking to the BBC’s Westminster Hour on Sunday, the MP for York Central said that she had “picked up […] deep deep concern” from colleagues and called for a “compassionate system and not taking just draconian cuts.”