Welfare reforms will lead to 'appalling poverty', says MP

The Government has faced further criticism from its backbenchers over its proposed cuts to disability benefits, with one MP suggesting they will lead to “appalling poverty”.

- Labour MP Andy McDonald

asked for further evidence on how many people will lose out on Personal Independence Payments (Pip) as a result of the welfare reform Bill.

In the Commons, Labour's Richard Burgon also claimed any one supporting the reforms is voting to take away benefits from disabled people who need help “to cut up their food, wash themselves and go to the toilet”.

Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the reforms will “open up opportunities for people who have been denied opportunities for far, far too long”.

Labour's Vicky Foxcroft resigned as a Government whip over the proposed cuts last week.