Latest news with #UniversalCreditandPersonalIndependentPaymentBill
Wales Online
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Wales Online
How every Welsh MP voted on controversial welfare change plans
How every Welsh MP voted on controversial welfare change plans Another late, and major concession, from the UK Government was needed to avoid an embarrassing defeat MPs have voted in favour of watered-down plans to reform welfare payments. The UK Government had to go further with its concessions from last week to avoid a humiliating defeat for its plans. A number of MPs, including five Labour MPs from Wales, had said they would vote for what's called a reasoned amendment, which, if it had passed, would have sunk the government bill. Plaid Cymru's four MPs also said they would back the amendment. That led the government to change the substance of its bill with all but one of the Welsh Labour rebels, Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden, keeping his name on the rebel amendment. During the debate and before any vote the government offered a further concession to rebelling Labour MPs over its plans with disability minister Sir Stephen Timms saying changes to PIP would not take place until after a review of the benefit has concluded. The BBC's political editor, Chris Mason, has said the government was told hours before the ballot that numbers showed that even with the first major concession "defeat was very realistic". The combination of concessions meant enough MPs backed the bill and the proposal has passed the first stage of parliamentary scrutiny and it will go on to further scrutiny called the second reading.. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Mr Witherden was the only Welsh Labour MP to vote against the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill. All four Plaid Cymru MPs and the sole Liberal Democrat also refused to give it their backing. Article continues below On Monday 86 disability and human rights groups put out a joint statement urging MPs to vote down the bill despite the protections for existing claimants including Scope, Mind, the Trussell Trust, Sense, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Oxfam. During the debate work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall told the Commons: "Welfare reform, let's be honest, is never easy, perhaps especially for Labour governments. Our social security system directly touches the lives of millions of people and it is something we all care deeply about. "We have listened to the concerns that have been raised to help us get these changes right. The Bill protects people already claiming PIP, it protects in real terms the incomes of people already receiving the UC (universal credit) health top-up from that benefit and their standard allowance, and it protects those with severe lifelong conditions who will never work, and those near the end of their life as we promised we would." Wales has 32 MPs with 27 representing Labour, four for Plaid Cymru and one Lib Dem. How all Welsh MPs voted on the welfare reform: Aberafan Maesteg Stephen Kinnock - Labour (Image: Labour Party ) For Alyn and Deeside Mark Tami - Labour (Image: Mark Tami, Alyn and Deeside Labour candidate ) For Bangor Aberconwy Claire Hughes - Labour Claire Hughes (Image: Mike Plunkett ) For Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney Nick Smith - Labour Nick Smith (Image: Labour Party ) For Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick - Liberal Democrat (Image: Welsh Liberal Democrats ) Against Bridgend Chris Elmore - Labour Chris Elmore (Image: Nathan Roach ) For Caerphilly Chris Evans - Labour Chris Evans (Image: Labour Party ) For Cardiff East Jo Stevens - Labour Jo Stevens (Image: Labour Party ) For Cardiff North Anna McMorrin - Labour Anna McMorrin (Image: Labour Party ) For Cardiff South and Penarth Stephen Doughty - Labour Stephen Doughty (Image: Labour Party ) For Cardiff West Alex Barros-Curtis - Labour Alex Barros-Curtis, Labour candidate for Cardiff West (Image: Labour Party ) For Caerfyrddin Ann Davies - Plaid Cymru Plaid Cymru candidate for Caerfyrddin, Ann Davies (Image: PA ) Against Ceredigion Preseli Ben Lake - Plaid Cymru Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru candidate for Ceredigion Preseli (Image: Plaid Cymru ) Against Clwyd East Becky Gittins - Labour Becky Gittins, Labour candidate for Clwyd East (Image: Mike Plunkett ) For Clwyd North Gill German - Labour Gill German, Labour candidate for Clwyd North (Image: Mike Plunkett ) For Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Savile Roberts - Plaid Cymru Plaid MP Liz Savile Roberts (Image: JoeBlomfield 2022 / Plaid Cymru ) Against Gower Tonia Antoniazzi - Labour Tonia Antoniazzi MP for Gower (Image: Tonia Antoniazzi ) For Llanelli Nia Griffith - Labour Nia Griffith (Image: Labour Party ) For Merthyr Tydfil and Gerald Jones - Labour Gerald Jones (Image: Labour Party ) For Monmouthshire Catherine Fookes - Labour Catherine Fookes, Labour candidate for Monmouthshire (Image: Nathan Roach ) For Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr Steve Witherden - Labour Steve Witherden, Labour candidate for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr (Image: Nathan Roach ) Against Neath and East Carolyn Harris - Labour Carolyn Harris, Labour candidate for Neath and Swansea East (Image: Labour Party ) For Newport East Jessica Morden - Labour Jessica Morden (Image: Labour Party ) For Newport West and Islwyn Ruth Jones - Labour Ruth Jones (Image: Labour Party ) For Pembrokeshire Mid and South Henry Tufnell - Labour (Image: Nathan Roach ) For Pontypridd Alex Davies-Jones - Labour Alex Davies-Jones (Image: Labour Party ) For Rhondda and Ogmore Chris Bryant - Labour Chris Bryant (Image: Labour Party ) For Swansea West Torsten Bell - Labour Torsten Bell (Image: Labour Party ) For Torfaen Nick Thomas-Symonds: Labour Nick Thomas-Symonds (Image: Labour Party ) For Vale of Glamorgan Kanishka Narayan - Labour (Image: Labour Party ) For Wrexham Andrew Ranger - Labour Andrew Ranger (Image: Mike Plunkett ) For Ynys Mon Llinos Medi - Plaid Cymru Llinos Medi (Image: Plaid Cymru ) Against Use this tool to check how any MP in Westminster voted: Article continues below
The National
01-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Anas Sarwar backs welfare cuts but insists wouldn't do same Scotland
The Scottish Labour leader claimed it is 'factually wrong' to say people will have their benefits 'cut' under measures proposed by Keir Starmer's government, because the overall welfare budget is still set to rise. Sarwar added that Labour is now in a 'much better place on welfare reform than a week ago', before it scaled back its proposals to avoid a defeat in the House of Commons on Tuesday evening. Last week, more than 120 Labour MPs signed a 'reasoned amendment' to the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill after it was revealed it would cut around £5 billion per year from disability benefits. READ MORE: Scots back independence as Keir Starmer's popularity at record low, new poll finds Ministers hope a partial U-turn by Starmer on the plans, which will protect existing claimants of personal independence payments (Pip) and the health element of universal credit, will be enough to win over Labour rebels. However, not all of the changes will directly impact people in Scotland as Pip is being replaced by the adult disability payment. The Scottish Government has promised not to make similar cuts in Scotland, with the Social Justice Secretary warning that even the Prime Minister's concessions do not go far enough. Shirley-Anne Somerville called on Labour to scrap all of its proposals, pointing to the UK Government's own analysis which shows it could plunge 150,000 people into poverty. Sarwar has argued that the figure did not take into account other Labour measures to help people get back into work, or economic policies. Asked if he would cut benefits for disabled people in Scotland if he wins next year's Holyrood election, he told the PA news agency: 'No, absolutely not'. The Scottish Labour leader insisted his party is 'on the same wavelength' and agrees that reforms to the welfare system are needed. But he said claims that benefits are being cut are not true, as the welfare bill is still set to grow. 'We all accept the principle of reform,' Sarwar said. He added: 'We all accept that we have to prioritise work, and that work is the best route of poverty. 'We all accept that. Those that can work should work. 'We also all accept that those who can't work should get the support they need, and also accept those that need support to get into work should get that support too.'
Leader Live
01-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Starmer defends his record in power as biggest revolt of his premiership looms
The Prime Minister insisted at a meeting of senior ministers that his team could look back with a 'real sense of pride and achievement' as the July 5 anniversary of his first year in office nears. The Government's work has focused on giving working people a 'chance to thrive, not just survive', a Downing Street spokesman said, as Labour backbenchers continue to threaten a rebellion over welfare reforms they insist will have a negative impact on disabled people. The welfare reform Bill will have its first airing in the Commons on Tuesday, and some Labour backbenchers continue to say they will vote to halt the legislation, after a much larger rebellion was quelled by ministers last week. Cabinet ministers, and even the Prime Minister himself, are said to be involved in efforts to persuade Labour MPs not to join the rebellion. Sir Keir opened the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning by telling senior ministers the welfare reforms are 'designed to help those who can work into employment and ensure dignity and security for those who can't work', a No 10 spokesman said. 'He then reflected on the last year in office, saying we could all rightly look back with a real sense of pride and achievement,' the spokesman added. No 10 pointed to the three trade deals struck with India, the US, and the EU, the extra investment in the spending review, and a cut in NHS waiting lists among the Government's achievements one year on. The spokesman added: 'He said the Government's work is all designed and focused on improving the lives of working people and giving them the chance to thrive, not just survive, and the Government should be proud of those achievements as a team.' Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had earlier urged Labour MPs to back the reforms package, and warned that retreating entirely from them would mean losing the chance to 'make any changes for the better whatsoever' and undermining 'public support'. 'I'd ask (colleagues) to support the Government on that basis, because clearly what we've got here is something which is better than the existing system,' Mr Reynolds told Sky News on Tuesday morning. Ministers hope a partial U-turn on the benefit cuts, which will protect existing claimants of personal independence payments (Pip) and the health element of universal credit, are enough to win over Labour rebels. Ahead of the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill's second reading in the Commons on Tuesday evening, 39 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment aimed at halting its progress. Leading rebel Rachael Maskell has warned 'many more' have told her they still plan to vote against the Government's plans than those who have signed up. The York Central MP said she had no fear in voting down the Bill and felt a 'moral duty' to 'speak up for' disabled people. Asked whether MPs would lose the whip for voting against the Government, Mr Reynolds said he was 'not aware of anything like that' but 'those issues are for the chief whip'. To see off the threat of far greater rebellion, the Government last week softened the impact of its changes to protect some 370,000 existing Pip claimants who had been set to lose out following reassessment. Some 126 Labour MPs had signed that previous 'reasoned amendment' proposed by Treasury Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier, which would have stopped the legislation if approved. Ministers also committed to a review of the system, involving disabled people and led by disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms, and unfreezing the higher UC rate for those already claiming the health-related element. But critics have argued the concessions risk creating a 'three-tier' system of disparity between existing and new claimants, as well as any future changes that emerge as a result of the Timms review. Facing questions from broadcasters on Tuesday morning, Mr Reynolds insisted it was 'entirely normal' for existing entitlements to be 'grandfathered' during major changes to the welfare system. Downing Street would not guarantee Sir Stephen's review would be completed by the time its planned reforms are implemented. No 10 was also insistent that Government modelling, which predicts its welfare proposals will push 150,000 more people into poverty by 2030, was 'subject to uncertainty'. The Downing Street spokesman said the prediction did not take into account the additional £1 billion a year the Government is investing in helping get people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into work or support with the cost of living.
Glasgow Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Starmer defends his record in power as biggest revolt of his premiership looms
The Prime Minister insisted at a meeting of senior ministers that his team could look back with a 'real sense of pride and achievement' as the July 5 anniversary of his first year in office nears. The Government's work has focused on giving working people a 'chance to thrive, not just survive', a Downing Street spokesman said, as Labour backbenchers continue to threaten a rebellion over welfare reforms they insist will have a negative impact on disabled people. The welfare reform Bill will have its first airing in the Commons on Tuesday, and some Labour backbenchers continue to say they will vote to halt the legislation, after a much larger rebellion was quelled by ministers last week. Cabinet ministers, and even the Prime Minister himself, are said to be involved in efforts to persuade Labour MPs not to join the rebellion. Sir Keir opened the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning by telling senior ministers the welfare reforms are 'designed to help those who can work into employment and ensure dignity and security for those who can't work', a No 10 spokesman said. 'He then reflected on the last year in office, saying we could all rightly look back with a real sense of pride and achievement,' the spokesman added. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is urging MPs to back the reforms (Jordan Pettitt/PA) No 10 pointed to the three trade deals struck with India, the US, and the EU, the extra investment in the spending review, and a cut in NHS waiting lists among the Government's achievements one year on. The spokesman added: 'He said the Government's work is all designed and focused on improving the lives of working people and giving them the chance to thrive, not just survive, and the Government should be proud of those achievements as a team.' Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had earlier urged Labour MPs to back the reforms package, and warned that retreating entirely from them would mean losing the chance to 'make any changes for the better whatsoever' and undermining 'public support'. 'I'd ask (colleagues) to support the Government on that basis, because clearly what we've got here is something which is better than the existing system,' Mr Reynolds told Sky News on Tuesday morning. Ministers hope a partial U-turn on the benefit cuts, which will protect existing claimants of personal independence payments (Pip) and the health element of universal credit, are enough to win over Labour rebels. Ahead of the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill's second reading in the Commons on Tuesday evening, 39 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment aimed at halting its progress. Leading rebel Rachael Maskell has warned 'many more' have told her they still plan to vote against the Government's plans than those who have signed up. The York Central MP said she had no fear in voting down the Bill and felt a 'moral duty' to 'speak up for' disabled people. Asked whether MPs would lose the whip for voting against the Government, Mr Reynolds said he was 'not aware of anything like that' but 'those issues are for the chief whip'. To see off the threat of far greater rebellion, the Government last week softened the impact of its changes to protect some 370,000 existing Pip claimants who had been set to lose out following reassessment. MPs will vote on the Bill on Tuesday evening (PA) Some 126 Labour MPs had signed that previous 'reasoned amendment' proposed by Treasury Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier, which would have stopped the legislation if approved. Ministers also committed to a review of the system, involving disabled people and led by disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms, and unfreezing the higher UC rate for those already claiming the health-related element. But critics have argued the concessions risk creating a 'three-tier' system of disparity between existing and new claimants, as well as any future changes that emerge as a result of the Timms review. Facing questions from broadcasters on Tuesday morning, Mr Reynolds insisted it was 'entirely normal' for existing entitlements to be 'grandfathered' during major changes to the welfare system. Downing Street would not guarantee Sir Stephen's review would be completed by the time its planned reforms are implemented. No 10 was also insistent that Government modelling, which predicts its welfare proposals will push 150,000 more people into poverty by 2030, was 'subject to uncertainty'. The Downing Street spokesman said the prediction did not take into account the additional £1 billion a year the Government is investing in helping get people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into work or support with the cost of living.
South Wales Guardian
01-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Starmer defends his record in power as biggest revolt of his premiership looms
The Prime Minister insisted at a meeting of senior ministers that his team could look back with a 'real sense of pride and achievement' as the July 5 anniversary of his first year in office nears. The Government's work has focused on giving working people a 'chance to thrive, not just survive', a Downing Street spokesman said, as Labour backbenchers continue to threaten a rebellion over welfare reforms they insist will have a negative impact on disabled people. The welfare reform Bill will have its first airing in the Commons on Tuesday, and some Labour backbenchers continue to say they will vote to halt the legislation, after a much larger rebellion was quelled by ministers last week. Cabinet ministers, and even the Prime Minister himself, are said to be involved in efforts to persuade Labour MPs not to join the rebellion. Sir Keir opened the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning by telling senior ministers the welfare reforms are 'designed to help those who can work into employment and ensure dignity and security for those who can't work', a No 10 spokesman said. 'He then reflected on the last year in office, saying we could all rightly look back with a real sense of pride and achievement,' the spokesman added. No 10 pointed to the three trade deals struck with India, the US, and the EU, the extra investment in the spending review, and a cut in NHS waiting lists among the Government's achievements one year on. The spokesman added: 'He said the Government's work is all designed and focused on improving the lives of working people and giving them the chance to thrive, not just survive, and the Government should be proud of those achievements as a team.' Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds had earlier urged Labour MPs to back the reforms package, and warned that retreating entirely from them would mean losing the chance to 'make any changes for the better whatsoever' and undermining 'public support'. 'I'd ask (colleagues) to support the Government on that basis, because clearly what we've got here is something which is better than the existing system,' Mr Reynolds told Sky News on Tuesday morning. Ministers hope a partial U-turn on the benefit cuts, which will protect existing claimants of personal independence payments (Pip) and the health element of universal credit, are enough to win over Labour rebels. Ahead of the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill's second reading in the Commons on Tuesday evening, 39 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment aimed at halting its progress. Leading rebel Rachael Maskell has warned 'many more' have told her they still plan to vote against the Government's plans than those who have signed up. The York Central MP said she had no fear in voting down the Bill and felt a 'moral duty' to 'speak up for' disabled people. Asked whether MPs would lose the whip for voting against the Government, Mr Reynolds said he was 'not aware of anything like that' but 'those issues are for the chief whip'. To see off the threat of far greater rebellion, the Government last week softened the impact of its changes to protect some 370,000 existing Pip claimants who had been set to lose out following reassessment. Some 126 Labour MPs had signed that previous 'reasoned amendment' proposed by Treasury Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier, which would have stopped the legislation if approved. Ministers also committed to a review of the system, involving disabled people and led by disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms, and unfreezing the higher UC rate for those already claiming the health-related element. But critics have argued the concessions risk creating a 'three-tier' system of disparity between existing and new claimants, as well as any future changes that emerge as a result of the Timms review. Facing questions from broadcasters on Tuesday morning, Mr Reynolds insisted it was 'entirely normal' for existing entitlements to be 'grandfathered' during major changes to the welfare system. Downing Street would not guarantee Sir Stephen's review would be completed by the time its planned reforms are implemented. No 10 was also insistent that Government modelling, which predicts its welfare proposals will push 150,000 more people into poverty by 2030, was 'subject to uncertainty'. The Downing Street spokesman said the prediction did not take into account the additional £1 billion a year the Government is investing in helping get people with disabilities and long-term health conditions into work or support with the cost of living.
