MP accused of 'shameful betrayal'over welfare reform

Hitting back MP Douglas McAllister

- STAFF REPORTER

West Dunbartonshire’s MP has been accused of a “shameful betrayal” after backing the UK Government's controversial welfare reforms.

SNP councillors have slammed Douglas McAllister over the UK Government's Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit Bill amid concerns the changes will “strip vital support from thousands of disabled people and deepen poverty” across local communities.

However, the Labour MP hit back, branding their comments as “embarrassing” and claiming it was prepared before changes were made to the Bill.

MPs backed the disability benefit changes by 335 votes to 260 last week after the UK Government U-turned on the main part of its plans.

It came after public outcry and opposition from charities and advocacy organisations - including Shelter, Crisis, The Trussell Trust, Disability Rights UK and Citizens Advice.

DWP minister Stephen Timms announced just 90 minutes before the vote that it would delay plans to limit who is eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until after a review. The change had been due to come into force in November 2026.

The late concession came as the Government faced a possible defeat in the House of Commons.

It followed a partial U-turn last week where the Government announced the changes to PIP would only apply to new claimants and rowed back on plans to cut the health-related element of Universal Credit.