Welfare Cap

Natascha Engel Excerpts
Wednesday 16th December 2015

(9 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ian Lavery Portrait Ian Lavery
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The Chancellor stood up and said that he was proud to have these targets set in stone. He tried to set a trap for the Labour party on this issue, but he wanted the benefits cap set in stone. The Minister is now explaining that, for the next two or three years, there is no chance of meeting those targets. Please tell us that you are slightly embarrassed or concerned.

Natascha Engel Portrait Madam Deputy Speaker (Natascha Engel)
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Order. I am not embarrassed or concerned. The Minister might be, but I am not.

Shailesh Vara Portrait Mr Vara
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If we are talking about embarrassment, perhaps it is the hon. Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery), along with those on the Opposition Front Bench, who ought to be embarrassed. They ought to be embarrassed about the millions of people who lived in misery because they were forced to become unemployed. They ought to be embarrassed because, under Labour, the welfare cap was out of control. They ought to be pleased that this Government have the guts to take the difficult decisions to bring the welfare cap back under control.