Thank you to so many constituents who have written to me regarding the changes this government is proposing to the welfare system.

I understand the fear these proposals, and the speculation ahead of the announcement, will have caused, particularly for those relying on benefits.

I am angry to have seen a re-emergence ahead of this announcement of the narrative we see all too often, that benefits claimants are living some kind of life of luxury, and that’s why the welfare bill needs to be cut. While I accept there is a tiny minority who abuse the system, we must not forget that the overwhelming majority of those on benefits, particularly those claiming disability benefits, rely on this money, designed to support the daily struggle of disability, as their main source of income. With the cost of living crisis, PIP and other benefits are increasingly being used to cover the costs of essentials, like food and rent.

I consider it a fundamental principle of any Labour government to have a welfare state that is there for all of use when we need it, that protects those most in need, and that upholds equality and dignity. At the heart of this must be, and always will be, the principle of supporting those who can work, and protecting the sick and disabled people who can’t work.

As the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, said during her statement, the social security system that we inherited from the Conservatives is failing the very people that it is supposed to help. We very clearly do need to change the system: one in ten working age people are claiming a sickness or disability benefit; 1 million youngsters are out of work, education or training; and the number of people expected to claim personal independence payments (PIP) set to double this decade, to 4.3 million people.

This is simply an unsustainable path, and is one also painfully unfair to those claiming benefits.

That’s why some of the proposals in the Government’s Green Paper are welcome, specifically the scrapping of the ineffective and cruel Work Capability Assessment; the removal of the need for those with the most severe, long-term conditions to be reassessed for PIP; and the introduction of a ‘right to try’ which will mean claimants no longer need to be put off from taking on work due to the risk of it not working out and them being left without their benefits, having to start the assessment process from the very beginning.

At the same time, I do have concerns about the proposals. I worry this has become a cost-saving exercise which doesn’t prioritise the needs of the sick and disabled people who rely on benefits, as opposed to investment in the fundamental reforms that the system requires. I also expect the Department for Work and Pensions to provide more details as soon as possible, particularly on how the DWP will enforce their rules on working, and how it will make sure those who cannot work are not impacted by the changes.

I have been asked by a number of constituents whether I will vote for or against these welfare changes. While I would like to be able to give you a clear answer, I want to be able to see the details of the proposals first. I want to make sure they make a positive difference to the welfare system, that they encourage and support those who can work to do so, and that they protect those not able to work. While I do believe the welfare system is in need of major reform, my support for any measures would be based on whether they are fair on those who rely on benefits.

The proposed changes are now in consultation, meaning you can share your views on them with DWP. You can do so here.