Disability Benefits and Social Care

Debate between Liam Byrne and Dan Poulter

Wednesday 20th June 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Byrne]

I will give way once more, and then set out a number of principles of which I think the Government should approve.

[Dr Daniel Poulter (Central Suffolk and North Ipswich) (Con)]

I am touched by the right hon. Gentleman’s concern for Remploy employees. I think that it is a good concern. Will he confirm, however, that the Labour Government presided over the closure of 28 Remploy factories?

[Mr Byrne]

That was part of a reform programme that included £500 million for modernisation. This is the point. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman is missing it. The argument that we are prosecuting this afternoon is not about whether Remploy needs to change. Remploy does need to change, but is now the right time for it do so, given that long-term unemployment is approaching 1 million? Where are the real plans to ensure that these factories have a future?