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<\/a><\/p>\nA Labour MP\u2019s painful lesson from 2015: Voting for harmful welfare cuts led to lasting regret. Now history is repeating itself.<\/p>\n
In 2015, I made the worst mistake of my political career: I voted for the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.<\/p>\n
At the time, I was a new MP, trusting my party\u2019s assurances that we could amend the bill later. But as soon as I walked out of the voting lobby, I felt sick. My constituents\u2014disabled people, carers, and struggling families\u2014were devastated. They had put their faith in me, and I had failed them.<\/p>\n
The bill slashed support for disabled people, tightened eligibility for benefits, and worsened poverty. The promised “savings” never materialised\u2014instead, we saw:
\n\u2714 Increased suicides among benefit claimants
\n\u2714 More pressure on the NHS and food banks
\n\u2714 Higher long-term welfare costs due to worsening health crises<\/p>\n
By the time Labour MPs rejected the bill at its third reading, it was too late. The damage was done.<\/p>\n
Now, the Government Is Making the Same Mistake
\nThis Tuesday, MPs will vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill\u2014a bill that, once again:
\n\u274c Cuts vital support for disabled people
\n\u274c Lacks proper scrutiny (no impact assessments, no formal consultation)
\n\u274c Creates a two-tier benefit system where the most vulnerable lose out<\/p>\n
We\u2019re being told to “trust” that concessions will come later. But just like in 2015, promises aren\u2019t enough.<\/p>\n
3 Reasons This Bill Must Be Stopped
\nDisabled People Were Never Consulted<\/p>\n
As one of several disabled MPs, I was never approached by the government.<\/p>\n
Disability rights groups and trade unions were also excluded from discussions.<\/p>\n
No Evidence, No Safeguards<\/p>\n
No new impact assessments have been published.<\/p>\n
Key employment support won\u2019t start until 2030\u2014leaving thousands stranded.<\/p>\n
It Punishes the Most Vulnerable<\/p>\n
The bill tightens eligibility while failing to fix systemic issues (like the broken Access to Work scheme).<\/p>\n
Carers\u2019 allowances are at risk, and disabled people will be worse off.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a Better Way
\nInstead of rushing through another damaging bill, the government should:
\n\u2705 Scrap this bill entirely
\n\u2705 Work with disabled people, charities, and unions to design fairer reforms
\n\u2705 Ensure proper scrutiny before voting<\/p>\n
I won\u2019t make the same mistake twice.<\/p>\n
This Tuesday, I will vote NO.<\/p>\n
And I urge every MP\u2014Labour, Tory, or otherwise\u2014to think hard before supporting a bill that will hurt the people we swore to protect.<\/p>\n
What Can You Do?
\n\ud83d\udd39 Contact your MP \u2013 Demand they vote against the bill.
\n\ud83d\udd39 Share this story \u2013 The more people know, the harder it is to ignore.
\n\ud83d\udd39 Support disability rights groups \u2013 Amplify their voices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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