MP set to vote in favour of change to welfare system

NORTH Northumberland MP David Smith has announced he will support the government's controversial welfare reform Bill ahead of a crucial vote today.

- JAMES ROBINSON

Mr Smith was not among more than 100 MPs who revealed they would be backing an amendment that threatened to kill the Welfare Bill last week.

The government announced changes to the bill on Friday following significant pressure from backbenchers. It means anyone who currently receives personal independence payments (PIP) will continue to receive them.

Campaigners have raised concerns that the new measures will push disabled people further into poverty. However, Mr Smith now believes that the government is “heading in the right direction”.

He said: “For several months now, I have been working in the background to engage with the government about the potential impact of the proposed Bill. At the same time, I have been meeting with constituents, as well as organisations that support people with chronic illnesses, and sharing their concerns in Westminster.