Stockport MP Navendu Mishra was one of 49 Labour MPs who voted against the government's new welfare bill yesterday (Tuesday 1 July).

The bill involves an overhaul of the welfare system, including tighter restrictions on Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP). 

Although a watered down version of the bill passed by 335 votes to 260 in the House of Commons yesterday, a number of Labour MPs including Mr Mishra still had misgivings about the bill and voted against it.

Mr Mishra described this as a 'difficult but necessary decision'. 

"I am firmly committed to improving our welfare system and I agree with the Government that the current system is broken, and in urgent need of reform", he said. 

"However, this Bill is not the solution and I believe it is contrary to the core values of our Party. 

"Instead of helping people out of poverty and into skilled well paid employment, it risks pushing more of my constituents and disabled people across the country into deeper hardship."

(Image - Rollz International / Unsplash)

Mr Mishra also pointed out that one in five working age residents in Stockport claim universal credit, and one in 10 rely on PIP. 

"The potential impacts of this Bill on these vulnerable groups are deeply concerning, and have caused incredible uncertainty and insecurity amongst disabled people", the MP continued.

"When I chose to enter politics by joining the Labour Party and the trade union movement, my goal was to create a positive impact on people's lives, particularly the most vulnerable.

"I share the concerns of Parkinson's UK and other charities campaigning to protect the rights and dignity of disabled people, and I have heard directly from disabled people in Stockport, as well as from local organisations, who fear that this Bill will worsen their already challenging circumstances."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintains that the bill is "better for individuals, better for the taxpayer and better for the economy".

You can read Navendu Mishra's statement in full here.

~

Free from clickbait, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or X