Labour

Labour has secured a vote on the Government’s plan to continue the roll out of Universal Credit Full Service.  

This follows criticism of the Government’s decision to persevere with the roll out of Universal Credit, which has been shown to be driving debt and arrears among low income families.  

The Department of Work and Pensions’ own data shows that one in four new claims are not being paid in full in six weeks, with half of those in rent arrears reporting that they went into debt after claiming Universal Credit.  

Concerns have also been expressed regarding the high cost of calls to the programme’s helpline, with some callers paying as much as 55p a minute.

This vote will be a key test of the Government’s flagship welfare reform policy. At least twenty five MPs from the Conservative Party are believed to back Labour’s call for a pause to roll out, more than the Prime Minister’s working majority of thirteen.

Debbie Abrahams MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the announcement, said;  

“The Government is ignoring its own evidence, and the concerns of its MPs to push ahead with their flawed Universal Credit programme. 

“The social security system should work to prevent people from getting into debt, not to exacerbate it.

“The numerous problems with Universal Credit are not just administrative; the delays and cuts made by this Government to the programme are all contributing to claimant debt. We will work with them to tackle these issues.

“The Government must pause and fix the programme before the roll out can cause further harm to those struggling to get by.” 

Andy McDonald MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, commenting on the Government’s statement of funds announcement for rail industry, said:

“Today’s statement of funds available for the rail industry highlights the government’s chaotic approach to rail investment: its promises, pauses and cancellations are all catastrophically undermining the industry.

“Pledges about record levels of funding will ring hollow both for passengers denied much needed upgrades and a rail supply chain haemorrhaging jobs and skills.”

Peter Dowd MP, Labour’s Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, speaking after the Committee stage of the Finance Bill, said:

“It is a sad day when the Conservative Government asks sacked workers to cough up to pay for expanded tax breaks for non-doms.

“The Conservatives voted down Labour’s amendments, which would have ended fears that sacked workers might be taxed more, and instead opted to vote through a giveaway to wealthy non-doms.

“The next Labour government will end the Tories’ unjust tax system, and create a tax system that works for the many, not just the privileged few.“

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, commenting on analysis by the IMF today which supports calls for a fairer tax system, said:

“This report from the IMF supports the argument we made in the General Election for a fairer tax system. There is no evidence to support those who scaremonger about the effects of making the rich pay fairer taxes. Not only have the Tories slashed the top rate of tax, they still plan billions in tax giveaways to the super rich and big corporations over this parliament.

“With every day that passes the case for a change of direction at the Treasury grows. Instead of engaging in infighting in his own party the Chancellor should listen to Labour’s calls for fairer taxes and increased investment to build an economy for the many not the few.”

Karl Turner MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Minister, responding to Philip Hammond’s admittance that a Brexit “no deal” could result in flights being grounded, said: 

“Phillip Hammond has today confirmed that “no deal” would be a total disaster for the aviation sector.

“The impact of this uncertainty will be felt by passengers long before March 2019, as airlines may not be able to sell advance tickets if a deal is not reached. If air cargo is grounded we will not be able to import or export freely.

“It is imperative that the Government prioritises securing a deal for the aviation sector and provides the industry with the certainty it needs in the run up to March 2019 and beyond.”