Angela Constance MSP: Labour’s Welfare Bill Leaves Hundreds of Thousands in Uncertainty

Angela Constance MSP: Labour’s Welfare Bill Leaves Hundreds of Thousands in Uncertainty

LABOUR VOTES TO KEEP DISABLED PEOPLE IN LIMBO

Angela Constance MSP: Labour’s Welfare Bill Leaves Hundreds of Thousands in Uncertainty

Labour MP voted for Labour’s Welfare Bill, which delays any decision on possible cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) until the end of 2026 - leaving disabled people in limbo for years to come.

The original bill planned to tighten PIP eligibility, which the government’s own figures showed could remove support from up to 950,000 people by the end of the decade. The latest version now promises only a ‘review’ of PIP in late 2026, offering no real certainty for those who depend on this vital support.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Government has pledged to protect disabled people by ensuring Scotland’s equivalent benefit, the Adult Disability Payment, is not cut. However, decisions made at Westminster could still impact Scotland’s budget.

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley, has urged Labour to apologise to disabled people for prolonging their uncertainty.

Commenting, Angela Constance said:

“This Welfare Bill has been a disaster from the very start. Labour went from ignoring disabled people altogether to rushing through last-minute changes before the vote.  By voting for this bill, Labour are only adding to the uncertainty disabled people in West Lothian and across Scotland already face, by pushing any real decision about PIP back to the end of 2026.

“Labour have shown exactly where their priorities lie. Any cuts to PIP would be devastating for disabled people who rely on these payments to live and to work. That’s why the Scottish Government is determined to protect these payments here in Scotland.  With the limited powers we have in the Scottish Parliament, we’re already stepping in to protect people in Almond Valley and beyond — just imagine what more we could do with the full powers of independence.”

HOW MPs VOTED

Voted in favour:

Zubir Ahmed (Labour)

Douglas Alexander (Labour)

Scott Arthur (Labour)

Richard Baker (Labour)

Johanna Baxter (Labour)

Maureen Burke (Labour)

Torcuil Crichton (Labour)

Gordon McKee (Labour)

Martin McCluskey (Labour)

Kirsty McNeill (Labour)

Katrina Murray (Labour)

Chris Kane (Labour)

Lillian Jones (Labour)

Chris Murray (Labour)

Gregor Poynton (Labour)

Patricia Ferguson (Labour)

Frank McNally (Labour)

Melanie Ward (Labour)

Pamela Nash (Labour)

Chris Murray (Labour)

Elaine Stewart (Labour)

Michael Shanks (Labour)

Kenneth Stevenson (Labour)

Graham Downie (Labour)

Susan Murray (Labour)

Joani Reid (Labour)

Alan Gemmell (Labour)

John Grady (Labour)

Kirsteen Sullivan (Labour)

Alison Taylor (Labour)

Ian Murray (Labour)

Martin Rhodes (Labour)

Imogen Walker (Labour)

Voted against:

Andrew Bowie (Conservative)

Irene Campbell (Labour)

Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat)

John Cooper (Conservative)

Harriet Cross (Conservative)

Dave Doogan (SNP)

Stephen Flynn (SNP)

Tracy Gilbert (Labour)

Stephen Gethins (SNP)

John Lamont (Conservative)

Chris Law (SNP)

Brian Leishman (Labour)

Seamus Logan (SNP)

Angus MacDonald (Liberal Democrat)

David Mundell (Conservative)

Brendan O’Hara (SNP)

Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat)

Euan Stainbank (Labour)

Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat)

Pete Wishart (SNP)

Graham Leadbitter (SNP)

Kirsty Blackman (SNP)

Did not vote:

Christine Jardine (Liberal Democrat)

• Latest News