Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft Says Concessions Do Not Go Far Enough to Win Her Support for Disability Benefit Cuts

Labour whip Vicky Foxcroft, who quit her frontbench role over the welfare bill a week ago, has stated that Keir Starmer's concessions do not adequately address her concerns about disability benefit cuts. Foxcroft urged the government to collaborate with disabled people and publish the review of the system before implementing cuts. She expressed her uncertainty about voting on Tuesday and requires assurances about further improvements.

Key Takeaways:

• Foxcroft emphasized the need for co-production with disabled people and disability groups in the policy-making process.
• She stated that the government's concessions do not go far enough to win her support for the welfare bill.
• Foxcroft urged the government to publish the review of the system before implementing cuts.
• She expressed her uncertainty about voting on Tuesday and requires assurances about further improvements.
• Foxcroft said the whips had been raising concerns about Labour MPs' unhappiness with the disability cuts for months.
• She accused the government of "tinkering" with the policy and urged them to learn lessons from previous mistakes.
• Foxcroft said she wants to see the Pathways to Work review by Stephen Timms published before the implementation of the bill.

Statistics:

• 50 to 60 Labour MPs may want to see further changes to the welfare bill.
• The 12-week consultation period for the Pathways to Work review began on 7 April.
• Vicky Foxcroft is one of dozens of Labour MPs who remain worried about the changes despite concessions made by Liz Kendall.
• Disability Labour-affiliated group is asking all MPs to oppose the legislation.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• The Sunday Times
• Marie Tidball, Labour MP and chair of two all-party groups on autism and disability
• Olivia Blake, Labour MP with a disclosed disability
• Disability Labour-affiliated group
• Equity
• Doughty Street Chambers (Jamie Burton KC)