Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Priti Patel and Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Wednesday 23rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Priti Patel]

The Government’s position on PIP and disability reforms is clear, and was announced by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Chancellor.

[Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

Will the Secretary of State tell the House and the people of Scotland when he realised that those cuts were wrong, or was he planning a resignation over the weekend?

[Priti Patel]

As I have said, the Government’s position has been made abundantly clear. If the hon. Gentleman missed the statement by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on Monday, I will be more than happy to share it with him again.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Priti Patel and Stewart Malcolm McDonald

Monday 22nd June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Priti Patel]

Food banks play an important role in local welfare provision. I do not accept anything that the hon. Lady has said. In Scotland, the number of jobseeker’s allowance sanctions has decreased from 84,000 in 2013 to 55,000—

[Stewart McDonald (Glasgow South) (SNP)]

Thanks to the Scottish Government.

[Priti Patel]

Well, we are devolving welfare, and we can have this debate next week on the Floor of the House. It is also important to emphasise that the purpose of sanctions is to encourage claimants to comply with reasonable requirements to help them develop and move into the world of work. That is vital.