There’s still time to scrap the “Welfare Reform” Bill
Even with the latest concessions, we should all continue to resist the “welfare reform bill” — because it is morally wrong, because it is cruel, and because it is unnecessary.
On the evening of Tuesday 1 July, the “welfare reform bill” passed its second reading in parliament with 335 votes to 260— with 49 Labour MPs voting against their government.
But not before Starmer’s government was forced into a series of substantive concessions.
Concessions, concessions, concessions
On the Friday before, under enormous pressure from Disabled activists and people like you writing to your MPs, signing petitions, and making noise on social media, the Government amended their bill to ensure those already receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) would not lose access.
PIP is a critical financial support ensuring millions of ordinary people can afford the additional transport and care needs necessitated by their disabilities, and are able to live dignified and fulfilling lives.
The government’s concession was crucial, and will keep hundreds of thousands of the most marginalised from being forced into poverty.
But disability groups were quick to point out that even with these initial concessions the bill was still unacceptable— whilst they protected some, they would condemn young Disabled people, and those yet to be Disabled to a future of poverty, hardship and worsening health. And the movement kept on fighting to defeat the Bill in full.
On the night, MPs facing pressure from unbowed community opposition, pushed further and secured a year-long hiatus in the implementation of PIP reforms for new claimants until a thorough review into its impacts has been conducted.
Again, this could save lives and demonstrates the power we have when we come together to demand change.
We won’t stop fighting
Make no mistake, even with these climbdowns, the passing of this bill last night is still a travesty. It will severely damage the lives of many, such as the 700,000 low-paid, and Disabled people who will lose an average of £3,000 a year from the scrapping of their Universal Credit health payments.
That’s why we will continue to resist the bill as it enters its final stages in parliament, before becoming law. We will resist it because it is morally wrong, because it is cruel, and because it is unnecessary.
Budget talk
Much of the media is now speaking about the Government’s need to raise taxes at the Autumn Budget.
There are plenty of options for taxes on wealth that could raise billions for essential spending without risking harm to lives and livelihoods, that the government should be implementing. There’s also an estimated $129 billion in offshore accounts, within tax havens that are UK jurisdictions that the government is currently allowing super rich CEOs, corporations, and criminals to hide from the tax authority.
The government must make sure that British Overseas Territories have transparency measures in place so that the billions stashed away in them are properly taxed.
If the UK government used all the powers available to it, it could put an end to British tax havens and ensure international tax dodging is brought into the light. This can unlock an essential source of tax revenue that is currently robbing our schools, hospitals and communities of funding.
In order to stop cuts, we need to show MPs that there is an alternative, and that we expect them to take it. It’s simple. We can afford world-class public services and a strong social security system. We can’t afford to let tax dodgers and the super-rich continue to get away without paying their fair share.