Protesters on Whitehall in London, as Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves delivers her spring statement to MPs in the House of Commons, London, March 26, 2025…
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.
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