MP for North West Leicestershire has shared a statement following her decision to vote in favour of Labour's welfare bill last night. 

On 1st July, Labour's controversial welfare bill was voted on by Members of Parliament. The bill included multiple new pieces of legislation proposing significant changes to the welfare system to 'help people dependent on welfare back to work.' 

The bill however triggered the largest rebellion so far in Kier Starmer's time as Prime Minister with the bill only being passed with last minute concessions that have undermined Starmer's authority. 

In a statement to her constituents today, MP Amanda Hack shared why she voted in favour of the bill. She said: "Before I became an MP, I worked for a housing association that provided accommodation for people with learning and mental health disabilities.  It was clear from working alongside tenants that the process of accessing welfare is often dehumanising for people with disabilities. It's also clear to me that the system needs structural reform to provide dignity.

Hack MP defends her decision to back controversial welfare reform bill (Photo: Amanda Hack)

"Over recent months, I've heard from many constituents who have shared personal stories and deep concerns about the proposed welfare reforms, particularly the health-related elements of Universal Credit (UC), and Personal Independence Payments (PIP)."   

Hack outlined the work she has been doing holding meetings with other Ministers 'in private' and putting her concerns directly to the Secretary of State and other Ministers. She also met with organisations that support vulnerable individuals and help them to access new opportunities and 'where possible, return to work.' 

She goes on to say that: "I support the Government's ambition to help more people into employment, through the 'Pathways to Work' programme, which invests £1 billion annually to provide better opportunities for sick and disabled people and allowing those with the most severe conditions not to be called for re-assessment again. 

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"That said, I shared many of the concerns raised with me by disabled people over recent months, and those of local organisations that I have met. I too have been worried about these reforms and that they risked harming valuable members of our society, which is why I signed the original amendment bought earlier this week by Dame Meg Hillier MP, calling on the government to rethink." 

Speaking about yesterday's meeting, Hack said: "It was clear from the debate in the Chamber that the Government has listened to our calls to wait for any implementation of PIP reform until after the review, which is being undertaken by Sir Stephen Timms, which will be taken in conjunction with disabled people and organisations, ensuring their voice is at the heart of any changes. This means that there will be no changes to PIP as a result of the Bill." 

Hack then goes on to explain how, when the concessions were achieved by Labour rebels, including herself, she felt more comfortable voting in favour of it as her 'primary concerns about the impact on disabled people' had been 'alleviated.' 

"With that in mind," said Hack, "the vote tonight on The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill was, in the end, about ensuring the above inflation increase to the standard allowance of Universal Credit was voted through, supporting over 8,800 people in North West Leicestershire. 

Hack ended her statement, recognising that reforming welfare would require careful, evidence backed changes and that rushing through reforms could unintentionally set back the people they are hoping to help. 

However, despite the bill not being passed in its entirety yesterday, numerous disability groups have spoken out against the decision. 

In a statement published by the Disabled and Angry Collective after the vote, they said: "Despite several 'concessions' being made, including some that were put forward just 90 minutes before the vote, Disabled and Angry Collective still strongly oppose and condemn this bill that would likely see 150,000 (although this number could still be significantly higher) disabled people pushed deeper into poverty."