Read my reaction after the welfare bill debate

It’s a sad day when a Labour government forces through a Bill to cut welfare payments for sick and disabled people.

Benefits that help them live with dignity and some measure of independence.

There is no fairness or logic in saying someone with a condition qualifies this year, but won’t next year.

The lack of consultation with disability groups and organisations was shocking.

It was very unusual to walk through the voting lobby with MPs from Labour, the Conservatives, the Greens, Conservatives and Reform - but sadly not enough Labour MPs felt able to stand up against their government and vote against the bill.

Deeply disappointed tonight that we didn’t get the numbers we needed to force the government back to the drawing board.

The money they have saved by pushing through this Bill is negligible - and will likely be eaten up by the extra services required to support these people in other ways - mental health support, housing, advice services and more…

It makes no financial, logical or moral sense at all.