Watch my intervention criticising the Government's cruel welfare reform

I intervened earlier during the debate on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) bill to highlight the devastating impact the Government’s proposed welfare changes could have for those living with complex mental health conditions.

Many of these individuals would struggle to qualify for the daily living component of PIP under the proposed new 4-point rule, despite experiencing persistent moderate challenges across many areas of their lives.

Like so many of the Government's suggested changes, this risks creating a false economy. Taking away crucial support could lead to further financial hardship and worsening mental health, which, in turn, puts even more pressure on other essential services.

This negates the entire point of the bill in the first place. The Government should go back to the drawing board and rethink their proposals.