Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher has said publicly that he will not back the government when proposed welfare reforms are voted on in Parliament.
Last week, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall unveiled the “biggest shake up to the welfare system in a generation” in a bid to cut the country’s benefits bill by around £5bn.
However, measures to restrict eligibility for personal independence payment and cutting and freezing the health element of Universal Credit for new claimants have proved controversial among some Labour MPs.
I am deeply disappointed by the decision to proceed with £5 billion in cuts to welfare spending.
Dr Opher said: “As a GP, I see first-hand the positive impact that work can have on people’s mental and physical health, self-esteem, and communities — not to mention the financial benefits. Getting people back into work is a good thing.
“But I also know the negative effects of austerity; shortened healthy life expectancy, increased mental health issues, and limited social mobility.
“The government’s own impact assessment makes it clear: these welfare reforms will push 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty.
“I did not come into politics to make life harder for those already struggling. I will be voting against these proposals when they come before Parliament.
“I have written to both the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, urging them to reconsider these cuts and instead explore a 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million — a fairer alternative that could raise up to £24 billion.”
Fiscal responsibility is important, but we must not balance the books on the backs of the poorest in society.
Speaking on the Today Programme, Chancellor Rachel Reeves defended the government’s reforms to welfare and said: “This is about reforming the system, to get more people into work, to have fulfilling careers and have more money in their pocket.”
