Oral Answers to Questions

Debbie Abrahams Excerpts
Thursday 23rd March 2017

(7 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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Our reforms to welfare are about making sure that we give more to those who need it most while encouraging those who can do so to get into work. That is why people with the most severe disabilities have had their payments increased and protected from the benefit cap and the benefits freeze.

Debbie Abrahams Portrait Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab)
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Over 160 Members have signed a prayer against the new personal independence payment regulations. The period for praying against those regulations comes to an end on 3 April. A debate has been arranged in the other place next week, but to date the Government have refused to arrange a debate and vote on the Floor of this House. There is a huge democratic deficit, as the regulations will come into force under the negative procedure. Why are the Government refusing to hold a debate on the new PIP regulations in this House?

Caroline Nokes Portrait Caroline Nokes
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As the hon. Lady will know, the usual channels decide when debates will be held in this place. It is not for me to give such a date today.