MP backs PM's plans on welfare

Welfare reform Pamela Nash MP voted for the government's welfare bill

- MICHAEL PRINGLE

Pamela Nash MP backed Keir Starmer’s plans to cut benefits for people with disabilities and insisted that constituents in North Lanarkshire won't see any reduction in the amount they receive when the system is reformed.

The MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke had previously criticised the Tories when they were in power over cuts to disability support but voted in favour of her own party's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill at the Second Reading, which she believes will create a fairer benefits system.

A revolt in the party led to 49 Labour MPs voting against the motion but it had threatened to be many more as the government made a number of eleventh hour adjustments to gain support for the Bill.

Eligibility for new PIP (Personal Independence Payment) claimants will change from November 2026, but this won't apply to people in Scotland, as PIP here has been replaced by the Adult Disability Payment which has been protected by the Scottish Government and is delivered by Social Security Scotland.