Jeff's Post

Tory MPs to revolt against cruel disability benefit cuts : Morning Star.

TORY MPs are planning to rebel against ministers by demanding that they delay their plans to cut benefits for disabled people and those too ill to work, it was revealed yesterday.

“Tens” of MPs are concerned about employment and support allowance (ESA) reforms that will reduce income for sick and disabled people by £29 a week, Conservative MP David Burrowes said.

They will back calls by the SNP for a backbench debate ahead of the Autumn Statement later this month to press Chancellor Philip Hammond to reverse the decision due to come into force next April.

Mr Burrowes told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he wants to see it scrapped by next year.

Tory MP Heidi Allen spoke of the remorse among Conservatives over the policy. She said: “There is no other piece of legislation or change that I have seen more regret on my side.”

Many Tories who voted for cuts but now express severe doubts over them were “misled by information sent to them by Department for Work and Pensions ministerial briefings,” Disabled People Against Cuts co-founder Linda Burnip told the Star.

Ms Burnip added: “Wevery much welcome this unexpected move from the Tories.

“But we are also aware that this draconian attack that further reduces living standards of disabled people — who have additional financial needs — would not have been passed through Parliament if so many Labour MPs had not abstained or conveniently been absent when the vote was taken.”