Friends target MPs over welfare
Friends contacted MPs in the run-up to last week’s second reading of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) and individual Friends contacted members of parliament (MPs) in the run-up to last week’s second reading of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill to highlight the affects it will have on the poorest and most vulnerable.
BYM staff developed a briefing for MPs. In it, they described Friends as ‘concerned that the welfare elements of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill will increase already unacceptable levels of poverty, and economic and social inequality’.
The briefing also called on parliamentarians to ensure that there is a full debate about the human and social costs of the proposed changes.
It stressed: ‘Quakers believe every-one is equal in the eyes of God. This leads us to the view that as a society we have a moral responsibility to respect and care for the most vulnerable amongst us. In twenty-first century Britain no one should be hungry, homeless or destitute.’
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill is now before a committee of MPs. They are expected to report back to the House of Commons by mid-October. The Bill will then return to the floor of the House of Commons to be debated by all MPs at the report stage and the third reading. Quakers in Britain will be following and seeking to influence this proposed legislation as it continues its progression through parliament.
Jessica Metheringham, parliamentary engagement officer for Britain Yearly Meeting, told the Friend: ‘The Welfare Reform and Work Bill proposes further cuts to our welfare system. We are concerned that these will increase already unacceptable levels of economic and social inequality. We urge Friends to ask their MPs to amend this Bill during the committee stage.’
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