The Lagan Valley MP was speaking ahead of the planned vote on Tuesday (1 July 2025). The Government, threatened by a rebellion of over 100 Labour MPs, has announced a partial climbdown on the planned cuts.
 
“This Government continues to characterise itself by decisions which are both abhorrently cruel and objectively needless. It is clearer by the day that it is desperately out of step – with public opinion, basic decency, sound economics and now even its own MPs. If the Government need to make savings they should show courage, stop punching down and finally make the super wealthy pay their fair share instead,” she said.
 
“The reality is that these cuts stand to affect Northern Ireland disproportionately. Over 11% of Northern Irish residents receive PIPs which is remarkably higher than any other country in the UK. That’s why I have signed these amendments. The Government must abandon these cuts immediately, there is still time to change course. If Labour do press ahead with this vote, the hardest hit will be the most vulnerable in our society."
 
“It is welcome news that these cuts will not apply to those already receiving benefits. However, this has done little except create more ambiguity and stress surrounding review and appeal processes.”