“I know how many of you have been deeply concerned by the proposed changes to the welfare system announced by the Government several weeks ago.
Firstly, let me say that I fully recognise and support the need for fundamental changes to the welfare system. It is a 20th Century approach that demands urgent reform and its beyond clear to anyone who has had to interact with it, or knows people that do, that it is not working as it should. People who desperately need support are having to jump through endless hoops and they find the process near impossible sometimes; those that could work and want to work are not getting the support they need to get a job; and in some cases, there are people in receipt of incorrectly assessed benefits.
It needs reforming but it is a complex system. This change cannot be done without serious discussion with those who interact with the system and know where the flaws lie.
In my 10 years as an MP, my small team and I have spoken to so many constituents who have desperately struggled with the system and needed support. They have almost always told me how difficult they have found to it get the support they need, and I cannot sit back and watch this become harder.
Many of you have spoken to me or emailed me about your concerns and thank you for doing so. The conversations I have had and emails I have read in recent weeks have all influenced my thinking on this matter, so thank you.
Given these concerns, last week I decided to sign a reasoned amendment alongside 120 colleagues in signing a Reasoned Amendment to the Bill.
Unfortunately, this amendment was withdrawn, I then supported another reasoned amendment tabled by Rachael Maskall, which did not receive a majority. The Minister later voiced in the chamber that section 5 would be taken out of the bill entirely. It is because of the confusion caused by this and the failure of any amendment to pass through that I found it absolutely necessary to vote against the bill entirely at its second reading.
I didn’t take the decision to vote against this bill lightly. I was well aware of the significance of such an action but that is the decision I believe I had to take: to do the right thing for vulnerable people and ensure the Government reconsider further. To work with people who live with disabilities and their representatives and to affect legislation that will bring along a sustainable, long-term welfare system that is inclusive and enables a life of choice, quality and dignity.
I will continue to see how this develops over the coming week as well as discuss and listen to various voices. The bill as it stands will go a committee of the whole house and then come before Parliament for a third reading before going to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
I believe the Government has shown willingness to listen to MPs who have raised the concerns of their constituents and I am grateful for that. Politics produces better results when more of us engage with it and feed in our viewpoints.
Thank you again to all who have contacted me, particularly those who have shared their personal stories. I have found your views and concerns to be hugely valuable.”
If you would like to see more on why I made the decision to vote against this bill, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BbYbwR1KVI
