Government whip Vicky Foxcroft quits over disability benefit cuts

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Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has stepped down from her position as a government whip in protest of the government’s proposed cuts to disability benefits. In a letter to the prime minister, Foxcroft expressed her concerns about the impact of the cuts on personal independence payments and universal credit, stating that they should not be part of the solution to addressing the welfare bill. She expressed disappointment in the lack of changes she had hoped to see from within the government.

The government defended its reforms, claiming that they were necessary to fix a broken welfare system that was failing the sick and vulnerable. The proposed bill tightens the criteria for personal independence payments and reduces the sickness-related element of universal credit. This has raised concerns among over 100 Labour MPs, with a potential rebellion looming within the government’s own ranks when the bill goes to a vote in two weeks.

An impact assessment by the government estimated that around 370,000 existing claimants of personal independence payments in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland would lose out under the proposed changes, saving £1.7bn by 2029/30. Another assessment predicted a £1.89bn saving from a drop in the number of potential future claimants. Foxcroft’s decision to resign as a government whip was motivated by her inability to support legislation that included cuts to disabled people’s finances, as she felt it conflicted with her values and ability to fulfill her duties.

Having served as part of the first Labour government in 14 years, Foxcroft expressed hope that ministers would reconsider the reforms so she could continue to support the government in delivering for the people of the country. Elected as the MP for Lewisham North in May 2015, Foxcroft’s resignation highlights the growing discontent within the Labour Party over the government’s welfare reforms

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