North East MPs against Welfare Reforms

National World - LocalTV

The UK government is facing significant internal opposition over proposed welfare reforms, specifically changes to disability benefits. A group of 42 Labour MPs, including six from the North East, have publicly declared the measures “impossible to support.”

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00:00The UK Government is facing significant internal opposition over proposed welfare reforms,

00:06specifically changes to disability benefits. A group of 42 Labour MPs, including six from the

00:11North East, have publicly declared the measures impossible to support. The Government's plan aims

00:18to save approximately £5 billion annually by tightening eligibility for personal independence

00:23payments and universal credit. These changes are expected to affect up to 700,000 already

00:30impoverished families, according to internal figures from the Department for Work and Pensions.

00:35Ministers argue that the reforms will support individuals in finding stable employment,

00:41but critics contend that they will disproportionately impact the most vulnerable.

00:46Among the MPs opposing the reforms are Ian Lavery, Emma Lowell, Mary Glindon, Kate Osborne,

00:52Graham Morris and Mary Kelly Foy. Speaking in Parliament, Lavery criticised the proposals

00:57for targeting those on lower incomes, while the wealthiest continue to prosper. He highlighted

01:02that in his constituency of Blythe and Ashen Inn, over 10,000 people rely on PIP for their livelihood,

01:09emphasising the potential harm these changes could cause. The backlash extends beyond MPs. Disability

01:15charities and advocacy groups have condemned the proposed reforms. In response to the criticism,

01:21Working Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the reforms, stating that the current welfare system

01:27is fundamentally broken and needs to be overhauled. She emphasised that the changes aim to support

01:33individuals in returning to work while protecting those who are most in need. However, with a Commons vote

01:39looming in June, the government's stance faces increasing scrutiny from within its own ranks.

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