Six North East MPs join bid to block welfare bill

Tightening the benefits system won't help people find jobs that don't exist

- JAMES ROBINSON Local Democracy Reporter

SIX North East Labour MPs have put their names to a proposed amendment that would block the Government's controversial welfare bill.

The proposals would see significant changes to personal independence payments (PIP) that campaigners warn will push thousands into poverty.

The Government insists that the changes are being made to encourage people back into work, with the number of people claiming PIP since the pandemic skyrocketing. However, even the Government's own assessments suggest that 250,000 people - including 50,000 children - will be pushed into deeper poverty.

A total of 108 MPs have signed the amendment that would prevent the bill going to a second reading. Backers say it is not about wrecking the proposals, but forcing the Government to pause and re-think.

The six MPs in the North East to back the amendment are Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland); Grahame Morris (Easington); Kate Osborne (Jarrow and Gateshead East); Ian Lavery (Blyth and Ashington); Mary Kelly Foy (City of Durham); and Emma Lewell (South Shields).