Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Debate between Grahame Morris and Liam Byrne

Friday 22nd March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Byrne]

indicated dissent.

[Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

rose—

Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill

Debate between Grahame Morris and Liam Byrne

Tuesday 8th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Byrne]

I want incomes to rise faster than benefits. That is why I think it was wrong that the hon. Gentleman voted for a three-year freeze in tax credits, which has hit 7,700 of his constituents. He must answer to them after today’s debate. Why is he supporting a huge tax cut for millionaires when 7,500 people in his constituency are seeing a freeze on their tax credits and a squeeze on them in the years to come?

[Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

To respond to the issues raised by Government Members, I point out that a lady on £72 a week in jobseeker’s allowance came to my surgery on Friday. She is being expected to pay £9.60 because of a loss of housing benefit because of the imposition of the bedroom tax. What do Government Members have to say to her?

[Mr Byrne]

Once upon a time—back in 2004 and 2005—when the Secretary of State was making speeches about poverty, he said that the way to judge the Conservative party was on how its policies worked for the poorest communities in the country. What many people will be asking after today’s debate is: what happened to that man?

Welfare Reform Bill

Debate between Grahame Morris and Liam Byrne

Wednesday 9th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab)]

Would my right hon. Friend care to comment on reports in today’s papers that representatives of 30 cancer charities have written to the Secretary of State expressing concern about people who are recovering from cancer? Specifically, they are likely to lose their employment and support allowance after a year, but 75% of them or not in a position to return to work after a year.

[Mr Byrne]

That is deeply concerning, and I will dwell on it in a moment.