Summary
After voting in line with Labour's welfare reforms last week, Stirling's local MP, Chris Kane, gave this statement to Brig about his decision.
Stirling’s local MP, Chris Kane, provided Brig with this statement as to why he voted for Labour’s welfare reforms last week, including the assurance that he will “be highlighting the many points raised with me by constituents to both Ministers and colleagues directly involved in the Committee scrutiny of the legislation”, when the bill returns to the House of Commons on Wednesday.
“Changing the welfare system is never simple, but I believe it’s necessary. Right now, the system isn’t working as it should. It’s often unfair, it’s costing more than we can afford in the long run, and it too often traps people in a place where they can’t move forward, when it should be helping them reach their potential.
At the moment, people sometimes feel they have to prove they can’t work just to get the support they need. Then, once they’re out of work, there’s little help to get them back in. That’s not right – for individuals, families, or our communities.
This Bill, debated in the House of Commons, takes some important steps to change that, especially after improvements made thanks to backbench MPs. The Bill as passed this week:
- creates a new “Right to Try”, so that disabled people who want to try working can do so without risking their benefits.
- ends repeat assessments for people with lifelong or terminal conditions, helping to reduce stress and paperwork for those who need support the most.
- adjusts part of Universal Credit for new claims, while protecting people already receiving it, so the system remains fair and focused.
- increases the main part of Universal Credit above inflation — the first real rise like this in decades.
Changing the welfare system is never simple, but I believe it’s necessary. Right now, the system isn’t working as it should. It’s often unfair, it’s costing more than we can afford in the long run, and it too often traps people in a place where they can’t move forward when it should be helping them reach their potential.
When the Bill was first published, I had concerns, especially about the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Many others felt the same. I raised those concerns, and I’m glad the Government listened. Ministers have now confirmed that no changes to PIP will happen until a full review has reported back in 2026.
You will also be aware that while Universal Credit is a UK-wide scheme, responsibility for a number of benefits, including for disabilities and carers, are devolved here in Scotland. As such on disability welfare, the vast majority of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in Scotland have been, or are in the process of being, replaced by Adult Disability Payments (ADP).
I also want to be honest and say that the way the Government handled the process around this Bill wasn’t good enough. It felt rushed, and some key details came out late, which made it harder for MPs and the public to understand and respond properly. That’s not how things should be done. But I welcome that ministers did listen, made some important changes, and paused parts of the Bill to allow more time for review.
We need a welfare system that protects people when they need help and gives real support to those who can and want to work. We need a system that’s fair for everyone and sustainable for the future.
With the changes that have been made, I believe this Bill helps us move in that direction. There will be the opportunity for further consideration of the bill when it returns to the Commons on Wednesday, 9 July. You can be assured that I will be highlighting the many points raised with me by constituents to both Ministers and colleagues directly involved in the Committee scrutiny of the legislation.”
Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
4th year Politics and Journalism student.
Secretary for Brig
The Herald Student Press Awards Columnist Of The Year 2024 (which sorry i’m still not over)
