Welsh Lib Dems Call on Government To Pull Welfare Bill Before Vote

The Liberal Democrats have called on the UK Labour Government to pull their controversial welfare reforms before a vote next week, saying that “even the Prime Minister’s own backbenchers” can see the damage these reforms could cause disabled people.
The Liberal Democrats, who have consistently opposed the cuts, have previously highlighted research they conducted showing Wales will be the hardest hit part of the UK by the cuts. According to the figures, at least 90% of those in Wales currently receiving the standard rate for daily living activities are at risk of losing some or all of their support.
Despite this, only a handful of Welsh Labour MPs have joined the backbench rebellion so far.
The Liberal Democrats, with 72 MPs in Westminster, have tabled their own Reasoned Amendment in Westminster aimed at killing the Bill. It highlights not only the plight of disabled people, but also of unpaid family carers as a result of these cuts.
The Lib Dems have consistently raised concerns about the damaging impact these cuts would have, especially for disabled people who rely on PIP to help with basic day-to-day tasks and to remain in work.
They have also criticised attempts by Labour and Conservative MPs to allow the misconception to persist that these are unemployment benefits, rather than essential support for independent living that allows many people to remain in work.
Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader Jane Dodds MS said:
“I’m genuinely disappointed that more Welsh Labour MPs have not taken a stand on this issue.
“These are not abstract numbers on a spreadsheet; these are real people, in real communities, who rely on this support to maintain their dignity, independence and often their ability to work.
“The Government needs to pull this Bill and go back to the drawing board. Even the Prime Minister’s own backbenchers can see the damage these cuts will do by leaving some of the most vulnerable without support and putting thousands of unpaid carers in impossible situations.
“The fact that Wales, and especially areas like the South Wales Valleys, are set to be hit hardest makes it especially disappointing that so few Welsh Labour MPs are willing to speak up for their communities.
“If these cuts go ahead, local councils and charities, already overstretched, will be forced to try to fill the gap. That’s neither fair nor sustainable. The Welsh Liberal Democrats will continue to speak up for those who are too often overlooked.”
ENDS