Independent MPs table amendment to scrap welfare bill
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which is due to be debated by MPs next month, would change the eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit in a bid to save £5 billion a year by the end of the decade.
If passed, the changes would make it harder for people with disabilities to claim benefits, and the UK Government's own analysis has found that the cuts would push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.
On Thursday, the Independent Alliance – which consists of Corbyn, Shockat Adam, Adnan Hussain, Ayoub Khan and Iqbal Mohamed – tabled an amendment to decline a second reading of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, on the grounds that it "fails to provide a fair and compassionate approach to reforming disability benefits",
Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn (Image: PA) The amendment also states that the bill "does not include measures that have been developed together with people with disabilities and carers, or informed by robust evidence and consultation".
It adds that the bill 'has not been designed to uphold the dignity, independence and security of people who rely on the welfare system.'
READ MORE: 'A weak man': John Swinney tears into Anas Sarwar after leadership jibe
Alongside the Independent Alliance, the amendment has also gained the support of Zarah Sultana MP, who was suspended from Keir Starmer's party last July after voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap.
Commenting on the amendment, Corbyn said the UK Government's "attack on disabled people" is "disgusting and disgraceful".
He added: "MPs should think long and hard about the dreadful consequences these cuts will have.
'MPs must decide: did you become an MP so you could to push thousands of disabled people into poverty?'
It comes amid reports that Labour MPs are set to be blacklisted for Government jobs if they fail to back the welfare cuts.
The National reported how rebels face the prospect of having the party whip suspended if they vote against the plans, while those considering abstaining have been warned they will not be considered for promotion.
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