Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill

This Labour Government will improve the lives of the vast majority of people in Britain. However, I feel that the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill takes us in the wrong direction. Last week, I made the decision to sign Meg Hillier MP’s Reasoned Amendment, as well as signing Rachael Maskell MP’s Reasoned Amendment tabled on 30 June 2025.

In March 2025, I published the following statement on my website regarding this legislation - https://www.navendumishra.co.uk/news/welfare-reform 

Today, the second reading of this Bill took place in the House of Commons. I made the difficult but necessary decision to vote for the Reasoned Amendment and vote against the second reading.

I am firmly committed to improving our welfare system and I agree with the Government that the current system is broken, and in urgent need of reform. However, this Bill is not the solution and I believe it is contrary to the core values of our Party. Instead of helping people out of poverty and into skilled well paid employment, it risks pushing more of my constituents and disabled people across the country into deeper hardship.

In Stockport, nearly one in five people live with a disability. Over 21% of working-age residents claim Universal Credit, and more than 10% rely on Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The potential impacts of this Bill on these vulnerable groups are deeply concerning, and have caused incredible uncertainty and insecurity amongst disabled people. When I chose to enter politics by joining the Labour Party and the trade union movement, my goal was to create a positive impact on people’s lives, particularly the most vulnerable.

I share the concerns of Parkinson’s UK and other charities campaigning to protect the rights and dignity of disabled people, and I have heard directly from disabled people in Stockport, as well as from local organisations, who fear that this Bill will worsen their already challenging circumstances. Over 50 charities have spoken out against this Bill. 

This has not been an easy decision to reach as I know the difficult choices and policies being taken by this Government in these early days will create the growth our country needs and I welcome investment in Stockport, from the Metrolink tram extension to funding for regeneration and healthcare. This Government has also introduced landmark legislation such as the Employment Rights Bill. I was proud to vote for this Bill which will introduce the largest overhaul of workers’ rights for a generation - securing well-paid and secure skilled jobs across Stockport and Britain. However, when it comes to welfare, we must take caution to ensure that the system continues to support those who need it most.

If you live or work in Stockport constituency, please feel free to contact me if I can support you. My email address is navendu.mishra.mp@parliament.uk and my telephone number is 0161 480 0833.