Disabled Labour MP Says ‘With A Heavy Broken Heart’ She Will Vote Against Welfare Cuts

A disabled Labour MP has said she will vote against her party’s plans to slash welfare “with a heavy broken heart”.

Dr Marie Tidball appeared close to tears as she explained why she could not support the government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments Bill.

Ministers want to cut the health element of universal credit and reduce PIP payments for those receiving the benefit after November 2026.

Speaking in a debate ahead of a crunch Commons vote on Tuesday evening, Tidball said: “I am now one of the only visibly disabled members of parliament. I am proud that our manifesto committed to championing the rights of disabled people, and the principle of working with disabled people to ensure our views and voices are at the heart of all we do.

“My community nurtured me growing up, and they taught me the values of fairness, equality, community. So it is with a heavy, broken heart that I will be voting against this bill today.

“As a matter of conscience, I need my constituents to know I cannot support the proposed changes to PIP as currently drafted on the face of the bill before us today.”

Dozens of Labour MPs are set to vote for a wrecking amendment which would block the government’s welfare plans.

Ministers have already watered down the legislation in an attempt to avoid a humiliating Commons defeat.