Labour MP in pledge to fight PIP welfare reform

A NORTHUMBERLAND Labour MP has slammed the Government's proposed welfare reforms and said he is committed to opposing them.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

Ian Lavery felt the controversial changes would make his constituents poor, and said he would oppose them “with every fibre of my being”.

Plans outline how the Government will reform the welfare system to save almost £5 billion, with the vast majority coming via cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). However, campaigners have warned that the reforms will drive millions of disabled people into poverty.

Reacting to the publication of the policy, Blyth and Ashington MP Mr Lavery said: “The so-called Pathways to Work Bill, which will strip up to 800,000 people of their PIP, was published last week, following months of speculation.

“Despite suggestions that it would be significantly revised, many of the most worrying proposals remain unchanged. Communities like the ones I represent continue to feel the impact of the decline of heavy industry.

“We are dealing with the consequences every day - industrial diseases, widespread poverty, and a mental health crisis. For many, PIP is not a luxury but a lifeline, something that makes everyday life possible.

“I was not elected to make my constituents poorer and I will oppose this bill with every fibre of my being.”