The MPs for both Lancaster and Morecambe both voted against government plans for cuts to benefits.
Sir Keir Starmer's controversial welfare bill passed its first hurdle in the Commons despite a rebellion from 49 MPs, including Labour’s Lizzi Collinge and Cat Smith.
The prime minister's watered-down Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill, aimed at saving £5.5bn, was backed by a majority of 75 on Tuesday evening.
After multiple concessions made due to threats of a Labour rebellion, many MPs questioned what they were voting for as the bill had been severely stripped down.
They ended up voting for only one part of the plan, a cut to Universal Credit (UC) sickness benefits for new claimants from £97 a week to £50 from 2026/7.
In a major U-turn, the prime minister said changes in eligibility for the personal independence payment (PIP), the main disability payment to help pay for extra costs incurred, would not take place until a review is published in autumn 2026.
Speaking in the debate on the bill in the House of Commons, Lancaster and Wyre MP Cat Smith said she couldn’t back plans to change the PIP system.
‘’ I can't vote with my party this evening, knowing how the changes to the PIP system will impact so many people across Lancaster and Wyre who rely on it,’’ she said.
‘’The current system is broken, but it can only be fixed with co-production with disabled people. My close friend, and disability rights activist Zara taught me ‘nothing about us, without us’.
‘’I joined a Labour Party that reduced child poverty, introduced the Disability Discrimination Act and Equality Act, and made life better for those with additional needs. I have not changed, and I won't stop fighting for social justice and equality.’’
Morecambe and Lunesdale’s Lizzi Collinge added: ‘’I could not in good conscience vote for these reforms as they currently stand, even with last-minute assurances from Ministers on key concessions. As a backbench Labour MP, I have always made it clear that my constituents come first, every time.
‘’After meeting and listening to countless constituents, advocacy groups, and others deeply worried about the human cost of these proposed changes, and with a key Government concession coming too late to analyse, I decided it was right to vote against the Government. I had hoped to speak to give my reasons but too many colleagues wished to speak.
‘’My professional background in health and social care also informed my decision – I am concerned that the costs taken out of the benefits bill will merely end up being spent elsewhere.
‘’It was an especially tough decision as I wholeheartedly support the Government’s mission to support people back into work and reform our welfare system.
‘’’I also know that so many of our other actions across health, housing, poverty and the economy, will reduce the number of people needing disability benefits because they will address the root causes of ill-health. However, these will take time.
‘So whilst the Government is doing lots of good work, which I fully support, I could not vote for this measure today.’’
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