How I voted on the Welfare Bill

Tonight, I voted twice to stop the Government from pressing ahead with proposals that will strip vital support from disabled people and carers - without even carrying out an impact assessment.

The first vote was on an amendment that set out why the Bill should not proceed; I voted for it because I believe this legislation is fundamentally flawed and wrong to target disabled people and carers. When this amendment was rejected, I then voted against the Government’s proposed Bill.

The Government’s reforms risk forcing people out of work and deepening inequality. It’s a false economy that punishes the most vulnerable while leaving tech giants and tax loopholes untouched.

I will continue to oppose these plans, and to speak up for disabled people and carers who will be hardest hit by this legislation. We should be building an inclusive economy, not punishing those who face barriers to work. I will keep fighting for a social security system that lifts people up, not pushes them down. The Government must be held to account for the damage this Bill will cause.