108 Labour MPs have signed an amendment to the Government’s welfare reform bill declining to give the welfare reform Bill a second reading when it returns to the Commons on 1 July.
The amendment recognised the “need for the reform of the social security system” but called on MPs to continue scrutinising the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill “because the Government’s own impact assessment estimates that 250,000 people will be pushed into poverty as a result of these provisions, including 50,000 children”.
If the 108 rebel Labour MP’s amendment was supported by opposition MPs, then this would be enough to defeat the Government’s plans.
Campaigners have criticised the lack of public consultation with disabled people of the plans, particularly in Wales saying there is a “growing atmosphere of fear and anger” about the proposals.
It has been revealed that just 3 Welsh Labour MPs have supported the amendment, Steve Witherden for Montgomeryshire, Ruth Jones for Newport West and Henry Tufnell for Mid and South Pembrokeshire.
The Liberal Democrats have criticised the lack of Welsh Labour’s MPs from Swansea and the Gower or Neath signing the amendment despite it saying the region is set to be badly hit.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Swansea Councillor and Senedd candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe Sam Bennett has said that that Swansea’s Labour MPs need to “grow a backbone and stand up for the interests of their constituents”, pointing to evidence they uncovered last month showing that Wales is set to be the worst hit by Labour’s welfare cuts.
In both Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, at least 90% of people claiming the standard rate of Personal Independence Payment for daily living activities are at risk of losing at least some of the payment.
The Liberal Democrats say they have repeatedly criticised the proposed cuts to PIP payments and attempts by those in Labour and the Conservatives to mislead the public into thinking these are unemployment benefits when, in fact, the payment supports many disabled people staying in work.
The Party say they have also highlighted how Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions, opposed welfare cuts when he worked for the Resolution Foundation, but is now supporting them as a Government minister.
Welsh Liberal Democrat Swansea Councillor and Senedd Candidate for Gŵyr Abertawe (Gower and Swansea) Sam Bennett said: “Swansea and Neath’s Labour MPs really need to grow a backbone and do what is right for their constituents and for Wales.
“Torsten Bell was happy to oppose welfare cuts when he worked for the Resolution Foundation, but now, when he’s been parachuted into Swansea and in a position to do something, he is silent.
“We all agree that welfare fraud should be tackled, but that’s not what the proposed changes do. Instead, they will cut the support that helps people with daily tasks that many of us would take for granted, such as staying clean or staying safe.
“This support actually helps many disabled people stay in work.
“I think it’s disgraceful that our area is set to be one of the hardest hit, yet none of our Labour MPs are willing to speak out.
“If these cuts go ahead, all it will do is move the financial burden onto local council services and charities, which have already been cut to the bone and are struggling to make ends meet. The Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose these cuts.”
