Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has quit her job as a government whip in opposition to the government’s plans to cut disability benefits.
She wrote in a letter to the prime minister that she could not vote “for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances”.
The former shadow minister for disabled people becomes the first MP to quit a government job over the controversial welfare reform plans that have seen over 100 Labour MPs publicly express concern over the proposals.
A government spokesperson defended the reforms as “principled” and insisted they will protect the vulnerable.
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The MP for Lewisham North wrote that the benefits system is in “desperate need of reform”, but argued this is not the way to do it.
She said: “I absolutely understand the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill in these difficult economic times, but I have always believed this could and should be done by supporting more disabled people into work.
“I do not believe that cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit should be part of the solution.”
Ms Foxcroft said she has “wrestled” with the decision over whether to resign, but said: “Sadly it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see.
“I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances.”
She has received public support from a number of fellow Labour MPs, who praised her “principled” stand on this issue.
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The government published its bill earlier this week to tighten the eligibility for PIP benefits, and also cuts to the sickness-related portion of Universal Credit.
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