Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Debate between Clive Efford and John McDonnell

Tuesday 22nd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[John McDonnell]

This is a challenge to the judgment of the Chancellor.

[Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab)]

During the Chancellor’s opening speech, we heard him say that the Government have legislated to make £12 billion-worth of savings within the welfare budget. That means that this £4.4 billion attack on PIP was in addition, and it was based neither on social justice nor on compassion. Does that not show that this Government are mean-minded and prepared to attack people who have disabilities? It is not necessary to make these cuts in welfare and they should guarantee that they are not going to return with this cut.

[John McDonnell]

The proposals that came forward did not just shock those on our side of the House; they shocked many Members from across the whole of the House with their brutality.