Labour Government frontbencher resigns over proposed disability benefit cuts
Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a Government whip because she did not believe the proposed cuts 'should be part of the solution'.
A Labour frontbencher has resigned over the UK Government's proposed benefit cuts.
Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a Government whip because she did not believe the proposed cuts 'should be part of the solution'.
The MP for Lewisham North said: 'I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within.
'Sadly it is now (sic) 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.'
Foxcroft - who previously served as shadow minister for disabled people - is the first frontbencher to resign over the proposed benefit cuts.
She is the second to go over policy issues following Anneliese Dodds' decision to quit as development minister over cuts to the aid budget.
Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth Brian Leishman said: "Respect to her for making that decision. This vote will define an MPs career.
"You have got to pick a side and the choice is simple - are you on the side of the most vulnerable people in society or not?
"There will be Labour MPs that vote for these proposals and immediately regret it and I urge colleagues to think about that."
Responding to Foxcroft's resignation, a Government spokesperson said: 'This Labour Government was elected to deliver change. The broken welfare system we inherited is failing the sick and most vulnerable and holding too many young people back. It is fair and responsible to fix it.
'Our principled reforms will ensure those who can work should, that those who want to work are properly supported, and that those with most severe disabilities and health conditions are protected.'
Keir Starmer has faced a backlash from some Labour MPs over proposals to r eform the welfare system expected to save up to £5 billion a year.
Legislation introduced into Parliament on Wednesday includes a tightening of the criteria for the main disability payment in England, personal independence payment (Pip).
Ministers also want to cut the sickness related element of universal credit (UC), and delay access to it, so only those aged 22 and over can claim it.
Most Scots on disability benefit are on the devolved Adult Disability Payment (ADP), but the cuts will mean the Scottish Government receives less money.
SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed last week that ADP will not be cut. She did not explain where the money would come from.
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