A Labour MP’s painful lesson from 2015: Voting for harmful welfare cuts led to lasting regret. Now history is repeating itself.
In 2015, I made the worst mistake of my political career: I voted for the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.
At the time, I was a new MP, trusting my party’s assurances that we could amend the bill later. But as soon as I walked out of the voting lobby, I felt sick. My constituents—disabled people, carers, and struggling families—were devastated. They had put their faith in me, and I had failed them.
The bill slashed support for disabled people, tightened eligibility for benefits, and worsened poverty. The promised “savings” never materialised—instead, we saw:
✔ Increased suicides among benefit claimants
✔ More pressure on the NHS and food banks
✔ Higher long-term welfare costs due to worsening health crises
By the time Labour MPs rejected the bill at its third reading, it was too late. The damage was done.
Now, the Government Is Making the Same Mistake
This Tuesday, MPs will vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill—a bill that, once again:
❌ Cuts vital support for disabled people
❌ Lacks proper scrutiny (no impact assessments, no formal consultation)
❌ Creates a two-tier benefit system where the most vulnerable lose out
We’re being told to “trust” that concessions will come later. But just like in 2015, promises aren’t enough.
3 Reasons This Bill Must Be Stopped
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Disabled People Were Never Consulted
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As one of several disabled MPs, I was never approached by the government.
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Disability rights groups and trade unions were also excluded from discussions.
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No Evidence, No Safeguards
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No new impact assessments have been published.
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Key employment support won’t start until 2030—leaving thousands stranded.
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It Punishes the Most Vulnerable
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The bill tightens eligibility while failing to fix systemic issues (like the broken Access to Work scheme).
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Carers’ allowances are at risk, and disabled people will be worse off.
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There’s a Better Way
Instead of rushing through another damaging bill, the government should:
✅ Scrap this bill entirely
✅ Work with disabled people, charities, and unions to design fairer reforms
✅ Ensure proper scrutiny before voting
I won’t make the same mistake twice.
This Tuesday, I will vote NO.
And I urge every MP—Labour, Tory, or otherwise—to think hard before supporting a bill that will hurt the people we swore to protect.
What Can You Do?
🔹 Contact your MP – Demand they vote against the bill.
🔹 Share this story – The more people know, the harder it is to ignore.
🔹 Support disability rights groups – Amplify their voices.
