Eastbourne’s Liberal Democrat MP, Josh Babarinde, has taken a stand in Parliament by voting against the Government’s proposed reductions to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a vital benefit for people living with disabilities.
Speaking in the House of Commons today (Tuesday), Mr Babarinde warned that the Government’s plans would have a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable members of society, and noted that the Bill would leave the fate of those people living with disabilities down to “luck”.
Going head to head with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, Mr Babarinde highlighted the case of Eastbourne resident Kathy, who was left unable to work following a serious car accident, and now relies on PIP for support.
In response, the Secretary of State acknowledged the concerns and reaffirmed her commitment to listening to the views of residents. Mr Babarinde has reached out to the Secretary of State’s team to urgently schedule a meeting to discuss this further.
In a statement issued following the exchange, Mr Babarinde said: “This Government must not attempt to balance the books at the expense of those people in Eastbourne living with disabilities. These people aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re real people, who are terrified at the prospect of these cuts.
“They’re people like my constituent Kathy who worked hard all her life until tragedy struck. Cutting support for her and others in a similar position is not just unfair, it’s wrong.
I will continue to fight for people living with disabilities in Eastbourne and across the country.”
