THE MP for Tiverton and Minehead has voted against recent Labour welfare reforms saying it is time for the government to “to take their fingers out of their ears.”

Rachel Gilmour was one of 70 Liberal Democrat MPs to have voted against the Labour proposed bill.

On Tuesday, July 1, MPs voted to approve the government’s revised reforms to the welfare system.

More than 40 Labour MPs rebelled by voting against their party’s proposals, which passed with 336 votes, of which 333 were Labour and three independents, to 261 — a margin of 75.

Following the vote, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, Rachel Gilmour, said: “Parliament has chosen to back the government on its changes to Personal Independence Payments, and Universal Credit.

“This Bill will still strip carers and the ones they care for of vital support whilst putting more barriers up to work not less. After years of the Conservatives losing control, the welfare bill needs to be brought down but this approach will create a false economy, putting more pressure on the NHS and social care.

“It is time for the government to take their fingers out of their ears and realise it is time to change course, taking the bold and ambitious steps needed to break with years of decline under the Conservatives. That does not start by trying to cut funding from carers and some of the most vulnerable and we will continue to oppose this approach every step of the way.

“I urge all constituents and groups affected to engage thoroughly with the Review, which will look to co-produce the government’s reforms with informed participation from those affected. Without your voices, the government may turn around at the conclusion of this review with exactly the same measures they had sought to bring in before their own rebels forced a change of mind.

“Even with this result, I will continue to fight for my constituents with disabilities, to make sure that their support is protected, to ensure that there is a truly fair system for all applicants, not just existing ones, and to make sure that their voices stand out the loudest.”

The government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill was first announced on June 18 but has since been watered down by the Prime Minister in what has been described as an effort to sway Labour MPs.

The bill, which now awaits further scrutiny at the committee stage on July 9, proposes to alter the universal credit allowance and to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment, or PIP, a benefit claimed by those with a health condition or disability and are unable to carry out everyday activities with ease. PIP can currently be claimed even if the claimant is working, has savings or is getting most other benefits.

The changes in welfare, when first proposed, were expected to save the government £5-billion a year by 2030. Economists now reportedly expect no net savings by then.