I know this will upset a great number of people - How Newcastle MPs voted in the Government's Wefare Bill vote
Two Newcastle MPs voted for the Government’s welfare cuts bill this week.
Mary Glindon, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend voted against the Government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill on Tuesday, July 1.
Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West and Catherine McKinnell, who represents Newcastle upon Tyne North both voteed for the bill.
The pair were among 49 Labour MPs to vote against the plans, with the Government making late changes to plans in an effort to keep backbenchers onside ahead of the Second Reading vote.
In a late concession on Tuesday, plans were shelved to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), with any changes now only coming after a review of the benefit.
In a statement on social media Chi Onwurah said: “Disability groups are absolutely right to be angry that they have not been consulted with properly and that they will make the target of these savings the Government felt it needed to make.
“I made this clear to ministers and consulted with disability groups in Newcastle. I know what these benefits mean.
“The Government has listen and made changes to existing claimants will be protected, even if they are reaccessed. The new system will not be implemented until after the Timms review which will be co-produced with disabled groups and then there will be a vote in parliament.
“I am also also aware that some of the benefits of the bill, the increase in universal credit, the billions of support to help disabled people into work haven’t been fully factored in. There’s also the Maynard review which will ensure greater job opportunities for disabled people.”
“Nevertheless, the Government’s own impact assessment says the bill could push tens of thousands into poverty, and in communities like ours in Newcastle, already facing high levels of economic and health inequality, there would be serious consequences.
“There’s almost universal consensus on the need to reform the welfare system and disability support. 31% of people in the North East are disabled and across the UK over one million young people are not in education, employment or training.
“Change is essential and it must reflect Labour values and disabled voices.
“In terms of my decision I will vote with the Government. I welcome these changes. I’ve received assurances about the support for disabled people and the process by which these changes will be implemented.
“I know this will upset a great number of people in Newcastle Central and West, and I will be holding the Government to announce and I expect that you will be holding me to account as this progresses.”
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