Labour MPs Across UK Plan Votes Against Disability Benefit Cuts

Several Labour MPs in the UK, including Middlesbrough's Andy McDonald and Welsh MP Steve Witherden, have publicly opposed the UK government's proposed welfare reforms, particularly changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). These MPs argue that the planned tightening of eligibility criteria for PIP will push vulnerable people, including those requiring assistance with basic daily activities, further into poverty and risk depriving many current claimants of vital support. Both McDonald and Witherden emphasize the lack of proper consultation and the absence of a full impact assessment ahead of the parliamentary vote, with Witherden highlighting that Wales may be disproportionately affected due to its higher proportion of claimants. While Witherden supports some welfare reform goals, such as helping people back into work, he opposes the austerity-driven cuts and advocates for alternative solutions like wealth taxes. The UK government claims these reforms would save around £5 billion annually by 2030 and encourage employment, but critics warn of the negative consequences for disabled and vulnerable populations. These dissenting MPs have confirmed they will vote against the measures, signaling significant internal opposition within the Labour Party and broader parliamentary debate on the reforms.