Benefit Claimants Sanctions (Required Assessment) Bill

Debate between Mhairi Black and Peter Grant

Friday 2nd December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mhairi Black]

My hon. Friend makes her point succinctly.

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

I do not know whether my hon. Friend heard the comment that we think we heard from a Conservative Member—I have no doubt that it will be corrected if we misheard it—but I was convinced that they suggested that a major cause of stress for claimants is that, “They are terrified they might get a job.” [Hon. Members: “Shameful.”] Does my hon. Friend agree that anyone with that kind of attitude is not in any position to judge those who are actively trying to find employment?

[Mhairi Black]

My hon. Friend is exactly right. If that comment was made, I suggest that the person who said it gets to their feet and puts it on the record. I suggest that, if someone has that point of view and thinks it is acceptable to speak in that way about our most vulnerable people when it is the Government’s job to look after them, they are not fit for government.