Opposition day on Wednesday, 18 October 2017, in the House of Commons, led by Debbie Abrahams. The answering members were David Gauke, Damian Hinds and Margaret Greenwood.

Universal Credit Roll-out

Second opposition day debate. Closure motion. Agreed to on question. Main question agreed to on division (299 to 0).

Secondary information

Type: Parliamentary proceeding
Reference: 629 cc859-959
Session: 2017-19
Department: Department for Work and Pensions
Procedure: Closure motions
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2017-0664
Thursday, 9 November 2017
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Proceeding contributions: Rosie Duffield | 629 cc933-4 (Link to this contribution)
I am exceptionally worried about the impact of universal credit roll-out on my constituents follo...; Simon Hoare | 629 c934 (Link to this contribution)
Very recently, I met representatives of both the north and east Dorset citizens advice bureaux. I...; Drew Hendry | 629 cc934-5 (Link to this contribution)
The principle of simplifying the social security system is a good one, but surely that should mea...; Baroness Maclean of Redditch | 629 c935 (Link to this contribution)
I welcome the acknowledgement of Opposition Members that they agree with the principles of this m...; Vicky Ford | 629 c935 (Link to this contribution)
I thank my hon. Friend for reminding us that we all agree that the principles of universal credit...; Baroness Maclean of Redditch | 629 c935 (Link to this contribution)
As my hon. Friend says, the programme is being rolled out cautiously. We spend a lot of time in o...; Preet Kaur Gill | 629 cc935-6 (Link to this contribution)
As universal credit is a single credit combining several benefits, the accuracy and timeliness of...; Stephen Kerr | 629 cc936-7 (Link to this contribution)
I will not vote for a pause in the roll-out of universal credit. I speak as a supporter of welfar...; Liz Twist | 629 c937 (Link to this contribution)
I was going to talk about the real problems experienced in my constituency—initially with the liv...; Eddie Hughes | 629 cc937-8 (Link to this contribution)
In 2016-17, the United Kingdom spent approximately £218 billion on welfare. I fully appreciate th...; Martin Whitfield | 629 c938 (Link to this contribution)
East Lothian was chosen as one of the universal credit pilot areas—a place where it could be test...; Wendy Morton | 629 cc938-9 (Link to this contribution)
Unemployment has fallen in my constituency from 5.2% in May 2010 to 2.2% in September 2017, and y...; Stuart C McDonald | 629 c939 (Link to this contribution)
Of course the aims of universal credit are welcome, but the simple fact is that full service roll...; Laura Pidcock | 629 cc939-940 (Link to this contribution)
Universal credit is clearly designed by people who lack knowledge and experience of poverty and o...; Vicky Ford | 629 c940 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Laura Pidcock | 629 c940 (Link to this contribution)
Absolutely not. I challenge anyone in this place to try to do that and not feel the sense of outr...; Anneliese Dodds | 629 cc940-1 (Link to this contribution)
Universal credit is being rolled out in my constituency today. I used to chair a debt and welfare...; Karen Lee | 629 c941 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend the Member for North West Durham (Laura Pidcock) spoke well at PMQs about the effe...; Stephen Lloyd | 629 cc941-2 (Link to this contribution)
This has been an important and interesting debate on an important issue, and I thank the hon. Mem...; Hugh Gaffney | 629 c942 (Link to this contribution)
It is a great privilege to speak on behalf of not only my constituency, but the United Kingdom. P...; Chris Stephens | 629 cc942-3 (Link to this contribution)
I am a member of the Work and Pensions Committee, and I nearly fell off my chair this morning. Ha...; Julie Cooper | 629 c943 (Link to this contribution)
I reiterate that the Opposition support universal credit. What we do not support is its shambolic...; Mohammad Yasin | 629 cc943-4 (Link to this contribution)
Universal credit was rolled out in Bedford in May, and it is causing pain and suffering to many o...; Stephen Timms | 629 c944 (Link to this contribution)
According to the plans announced by the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Du...; Christine Jardine | 629 cc944-5 (Link to this contribution)
I have to confess that I am one of the many who was impressed when I first heard about UC. Let me...; Tracy Brabin | 629 c945 (Link to this contribution)
Time dictates that I should speak about one section of the community for whom universal credit wi...; Faisal Rashid | 629 cc945-6 (Link to this contribution)
I shall focus on the problems with universal credit in Warrington South. As the Minister will kno...; Alex Sobel | 629 c946 (Link to this contribution)
Although it is obvious that the issues with universal credit could be addressed swiftly—for examp...; Margaret Greenwood | 629 c946 (Link to this contribution)
This debate has been wide ranging, and we have heard Members from all parts of the House describe...; Ruth George | 629 c947 (Link to this contribution)
Does my hon. Friend agree that, when the Institute for Fiscal Studies says that a further 3 milli...; Margaret Greenwood | 629 c947 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes a very strong point and I thank her for it.
Sir John Major recently ca...; Dan Carden | 629 c947 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Margaret Greenwood | 629 cc947-950 (Link to this contribution)
I cannot give way, as I must make progress.
The reality, according to the Trussell Trust, i...; Damian Hinds | 629 c950 (Link to this contribution)
We have had a very good debate this afternoon, with fully 75 speeches—passionate, thoughtful and ...; Lord Field of Birkenhead | 629 c950 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Minister give way?; Damian Hinds | 629 c950 (Link to this contribution)
I am terribly sorry, particularly to the right hon. Gentleman of all people, but I have less than...; Lord Field of Birkenhead | 629 c950 (Link to this contribution)
It is on a question I asked earlier.; Damian Hinds | 629 c950 (Link to this contribution)
Okay.; Lord Field of Birkenhead | 629 c950 (Link to this contribution)
I posed the question twice to the Secretary of State. Our local food bank in Birkenhead says that...; Damian Hinds | 629 cc950-1 (Link to this contribution)
Of course I gave way to the right hon. Gentleman, who is the Chair of the Work and Pensions Commi...; Dan Carden | 629 c951 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Minister give way?; Damian Hinds | 629 cc951-2 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry, but I cannot.
Our latest data show that about 80% of new claims were paid in fu...; Nicholas Brown | 629 cc952-3 (Link to this contribution)
claimed to move the closure (Standing Order No. 36.)
Question put forthwith, That the Quest...; John Bercow | 629 c953 (Link to this contribution)
I ask the Serjeant at Arms to investigate the delay in the Aye Lobby.; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c953 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. This is a major defeat for the Government on their flagship soci...; John Bercow | 629 cc953-6 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her point of order. The short answer is that I have received n...; Peter Bone | 629 c956 (Link to this contribution)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. Just a slight correction, of course: the Government d...; John Bercow | 629 c956 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. My response is twofold. First, I do n...; Pete Wishart | 629 c956 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; John Bercow | 629 c956 (Link to this contribution)
We will come to the hon. Gentleman. I am saving him up; I would not want to waste him.
What...; Pete Wishart | 629 c956 (Link to this contribution)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. It is quite clear that the Government’s behaviour is ...; John Bercow | 629 c957 (Link to this contribution)
I must be absolutely explicit in response to the hon. Gentleman, for his benefit and that of the ...; Edward Leigh | 629 c957 (Link to this contribution)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I do not quite understand something. For 34 years, I ...; John Bercow | 629 c957 (Link to this contribution)
I absolutely respect what the hon. Gentleman has said. There have been occasions on which, for ex...; 629 c958 (Link to this contribution); John Bercow | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
I will take a couple more points of order. Mr Christian Matheson .; Christian Matheson | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Just a couple of weeks ago, in the House, the Government changed...; John Bercow | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
I understand the point that the hon. Gentleman is making. I hope he will not take offence, but if...; George Howarth | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; John Bercow | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
I am saving the right hon. Gentleman until last, because he is so senior.; Chris Bryant | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. It deals with the matter of precedent. I am sure you will agree ...; John Bercow | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
What I will say to the hon. Gentleman is twofold. First, I think it better not to entertain hypot...; Chris Bryant | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
As you know! [Laughter.]; John Bercow | 629 c958 (Link to this contribution)
I was rather minded to say that I would not know, but the hon. Gentleman would. I think we will l...; George Howarth | 629 c959 (Link to this contribution)
Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. You have been admirably clear about the obligation th...; John Bercow | 629 c959 (Link to this contribution)
It is open to the House to look at its Standing Orders, and potentially to revise them, at any ti...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
This is a real test for the Government; if there is a genuine desire to make life better for ever...; Angela Eagle | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
I can report to my hon. Friend that I have had exactly the same experience in my constituency, wh...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
This is the reality that people are facing; this is happening in the areas my colleagues have men...; Simon Hoare | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way one last time.; Simon Hoare | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
I am most grateful to the hon. Lady, who is being enormously kind with her time. The motion calls...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman is pre-empting my speech, but I will happily propose exactly what we would lik...; Helen Goodman | 629 c860 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Debbie Abrahams | 629 cc860-1 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry but I am not going to give way again, as I must try to press on.
Secondly, there...; Kate Green | 629 c861 (Link to this contribution)
rose—; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c861 (Link to this contribution)
I am not going to give way again, as 90 people have put in to speak.
The UC equivalent of t...; Alex Burghart | 629 c861 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Debbie Abrahams | 629 cc861-2 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry but I am not going to give way again, as I need to make progress, with 90 people havin...; Lucy Frazer | 629 c862 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Debbie Abrahams | 629 cc862-4 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry, but I will not.
Half those in rent arrears under universal credit report that t...; Bob Seely | 629 c864 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Mr Speaker. The last time that the Leader of the Opposition spoke on this is...; John Bercow | 629 c864 (Link to this contribution)
Order. That is not a point of order and it is an abuse of our proceedings. I strongly counsel the...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c864 (Link to this contribution)
I wonder how that intervention will be seen by those people affected by these issues. Some 900,00...; Helen Whately | 629 c864 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Debbie Abrahams | 629 cc864-5 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry, but I will not. As I have said, I am conscious that 90 people wish to speak.
Th...; David Morris | 629 c865 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Debbie Abrahams | 629 cc865-6 (Link to this contribution)
I am sorry, but I will not give way.
These are relatively straightforward suggestions. I re...; David Gauke | 629 c866 (Link to this contribution)
Today we have seen yet another excellent set of labour market statistics: unemployment is 1 milli...; Ruth Cadbury | 629 c866 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Secretary of State give way?; David Gauke | 629 c866 (Link to this contribution)
Let me make a little progress.
When it comes to universal credit, there is much talk about ...; 629 c866 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c866 (Link to this contribution)
Let me finish on the principles, and then I will take plenty of interventions.
We inherited...; Clive Efford | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
It is not the principle, but the practicality that is at issue. [Hon. Members: “Ah!”] The princip...; David Gauke | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
My argument is that we should not be pausing this. May I just say that I welcome the clear expres...; Anne Main | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Lucy Frazer | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; David Gauke | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
I give way to my right hon. Friend —[Interruption.]; John Bercow | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Member for St Albans (Mrs Main) has just been promoted. The Secretary of State needs to ...; Anne Main | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the Secretary of State for that promotion. I look forward to receiving it in the post.; David Gauke | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
That astuteness demonstrates why my hon. Friend should become my right hon. Friend sooner rather ...; Stephen Timms | 629 c867 (Link to this contribution)
Has the Secretary of State seen the survey of 105 local councils, which showed that of claimants ...; David Gauke | 629 cc867-8 (Link to this contribution)
Part of the issue is that that is not comparing like with like. The right hon. Gentleman will und...; 629 c868 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
I will just make a little bit of progress.
Universal credit gives a person a work coach, wh...; Lucy Frazer | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
The Secretary of State makes a really important point about the unemployment figures and the impo...; David Gauke | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. and learned Friend is right. We need to build on the progress that has been made in her c...; 629 c868 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way to one of my predecessors as Secretary of State.; Stephen Crabb | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
The Secretary of State is being very generous with his time. Did not the shadow Secretary of Stat...; David Gauke | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. This is yet a further example of the Opposition turning...; Angela Eagle | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Secretary of State give way?; David Gauke | 629 c868 (Link to this contribution)
I am just making a point about the speech we just heard from the shadow Secretary of State, who h...; Jack Dromey | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
On this side of the Chamber, we live in the real world of our constituents. People suffering from...; John Bercow | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
Order! I am sorry to have to shout, but the hon. Gentleman, though he speaks with great force and...; David Gauke | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
Let me turn to the important point of claimant commitment.; Angela Eagle | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
Will the Secretary of State give way?; David Gauke | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way, but not for a moment.
Throughout this period, claimants have a flexible, c...; Angela Eagle | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
The Secretary of State must surely realise that the way in which the system is being administered...; David Gauke | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
Let us be clear: if people need support under this system, they do not have to wait for six weeks...; Richard Graham | 629 c869 (Link to this contribution)
The points being made by Opposition Members are disappointing in one particular way. There is a s...; David Gauke | 629 c870 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes a good point. Co-operation between housing associations and the Department f...; David Morris | 629 c870 (Link to this contribution)
My constituency was a pilot scheme for universal credit, and I regularly meet the jobcentre and t...; David Gauke | 629 c870 (Link to this contribution)
The advance is typically paid back over six months, so it is essentially a deduction of around 8%...; 629 c870 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c870 (Link to this contribution)
I have given way numerous time already, probably a multiple of the number of times the shadow Sec...; Caroline Lucas | 629 c870 (Link to this contribution)
If the Secretary of State’s intention really is not to cause hardship and distress, why will he n...; David Gauke | 629 c870 (Link to this contribution)
I will come back to the six-week period.
We have to remember that we have inherited an old ...; 629 c871 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c871 (Link to this contribution)
I have to make some progress.
Claimants now no longer need to switch between benefits if th...; Mims Davies | 629 c871 (Link to this contribution)
Eighteen months ago, I visited Radian, a housing association in my constituency. Radian expressed...; David Gauke | 629 c871 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for highlighting the reality. This is not an abstract discussion;...; Anna Soubry | 629 c871 (Link to this contribution)
Thanks to a Conservative Government, we now have almost full employment in this country. For a nu...; David Gauke | 629 c871 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend makes a good point. I was about to give an illustration of the way universal...; Tom Brake | 629 c871 (Link to this contribution)
Does the Secretary of State agree that one of the best ways to help people into work and support ...; David Gauke | 629 c872 (Link to this contribution)
Let me deal with the points on the waiting period and timeliness. I acknowledge the concern. Retu...; 629 c872 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c872 (Link to this contribution)
I will make a little more progress before giving way again .
Of course it is important that...; Neil Gray | 629 c872 (Link to this contribution)
The Secretary of State says that advances are typically paid within three days. Of course, an adv...; David Gauke | 629 c872 (Link to this contribution)
For a start, it is not crisis funding; it is an advance giving people flexibility in when they re...; Helen Whately | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
May I back up my right hon. Friend, drawing on work I have done in my area and on discussions wit...; David Gauke | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
I certainly do. This is an important matter and strong views are held in all parts of the House, ...; 629 c873 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
I have given way numerous times. I am conscious that, as the shadow Secretary of State repeatedly...; Karl Turner | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
We all welcome the Government’s concession on the premium phone line, but I met the CAB on Monday...; David Gauke | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
First, we have never had a premium line; it is the same sort of system that one of the hon. Gentl...; Simon Hoare | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
I thought that there was a helpline for MPs to deal with all our constituents’ cases—unless it is...; David Gauke | 629 c873 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right, but to be fair to the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull East...; 629 c874 (Link to this contribution); David Gauke | 629 c874 (Link to this contribution)
I have spoken for a long time and I want to push on.
The approach that we are taking is to ...; Neil Gray | 629 cc874-5 (Link to this contribution)
Back in 2010 when universal credit was first mooted by the right hon. Member for Chingford and Wo...; Jess Phillips | 629 c875 (Link to this contribution)
The suggestion that I would like to add to that list—I wonder if the hon. Gentleman agrees with m...; Neil Gray | 629 c875 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the hon. Lady for her intervention. That is one of the flexibilities that the Scottish Go...; Paula Sherriff | 629 c875 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman share my concern at learning about my constituent who suffers from severe...; Neil Gray | 629 c875 (Link to this contribution)
That is another appalling constituency case of which we all have many. I am about to raise one my...; Ronnie Cowan | 629 c875 (Link to this contribution)
My constituents had universal credit rolled out last November, and we have been bearing the brunt...; Neil Gray | 629 c875 (Link to this contribution)
I wholeheartedly agree with my hon. Friend, as do the expert charities and organisations involved...; Seema Malhotra | 629 c876 (Link to this contribution)
It is important to understand and address all the unintended consequences of universal credit. Do...; Neil Gray | 629 c876 (Link to this contribution)
I agree, and I think it is good for agencies to talk to each other to ensure that the system work...; Stephen Doughty | 629 c876 (Link to this contribution)
The point that the hon. Gentleman makes about the impact on social landlords and housing associat...; Neil Gray | 629 c876 (Link to this contribution)
That is one of the most baffling areas, and one of the easiest for the Government to reform. It i...; Jim McMahon | 629 c877 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the breaking of the system has gone too far when organisation...; Neil Gray | 629 cc877-8 (Link to this contribution)
Yes, absolutely. The Trussell Trust has reported a 17% rise in food bank aid in areas in which un...; Lucy Frazer | 629 c878 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. Is it appropriate, in a debate about universal credit,...; Baroness Laing of Elderslie | 629 c878 (Link to this contribution)
I allowed a passing reference to the hon. Gentleman, because I understand from exchanges at Prime...; Neil Gray | 629 c878 (Link to this contribution)
To be fair, Madam Deputy Speaker, we have all had enough of the hon. Member for Moray. It is wort...; Baroness Laing of Elderslie | 629 c878 (Link to this contribution)
Order. We will return to the subject of the debate.; Neil Gray | 629 cc878-9 (Link to this contribution)
At the start of the year, Mr James Moran from Harthill in my constituency qualified as an HGV dri...; Alex Burghart | 629 c879 (Link to this contribution)
Did any SNP Members, when they raised this issue, ever point out that there was a call-back servi...; Neil Gray | 629 c879 (Link to this contribution)
Yes, we did. The hon. Gentleman’s intervention completely misses the point. [ Interruption. ]
...; Baroness Laing of Elderslie | 629 c879 (Link to this contribution)
Order. Why are hon. Members shouting?; Neil Gray | 629 cc879-880 (Link to this contribution)
It is little wonder that the Government have moved. We all watched in horror as the Chief Secreta...; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c880 (Link to this contribution)
I rise to support my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who I thought made an excellent sp...; Michael Tomlinson | 629 c880 (Link to this contribution)
Will my right hon. Friend give way?; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c880 (Link to this contribution)
I recognise that time is limited, so I will limit the number of times I give way.
Universal...; Neil Coyle | 629 c880 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c880 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way to other Members in a minute, but let me make a second point. When it comes to ho...; 629 c881 (Link to this contribution); Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way in a minute.
That is why universal support—now bringing in councils—will id...; Michael Tomlinson | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
Was my right hon. Friend as surprised and disappointed as I was, during Prime Minister’s question...; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention.; Stephen Timms | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman has explained the theory of the four-week delay, but does he accept that...; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
It is not a theory, but I will come on to that in a minute. The right hon. Gentleman and I have h...; Neil Coyle | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
No, because I am conscious that others want to speak, but I will come back to the hon. Gentleman ...; Kate Green | 629 c881 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 cc881-2 (Link to this contribution)
I will give way in one second.
The roll-out of universal credit has been deliberately desig...; Neil Gray | 629 c882 (Link to this contribution)
It is worth reminding the House that the former Secretary of State resigned because of the cuts b...; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c882 (Link to this contribution)
I will come to that. The hon. Gentleman should not worry—I will not resile from why I resigned.; Anna Soubry | 629 c882 (Link to this contribution)
My right hon. Friend and I are about the same age. Does he share my concern that anyone who is yo...; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 cc882-3 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend, who has borne the years better than me. However, I will do...; Neil Coyle | 629 c883 (Link to this contribution)
The right hon. Gentleman seems to acknowledge that universal credit has not worked for everyone, ...; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c883 (Link to this contribution)
I thought that was a reference to the hon. Gentleman’s speaking ability in the House.
Unive...; Angela Crawley | 629 c883 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Stephen Lloyd | 629 c883 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Iain Duncan Smith | 629 c883 (Link to this contribution)
I apologise, but I am about to conclude.
Universal credit is the single biggest change to t...; Caroline Lucas | 629 c883 (Link to this contribution)
On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I hear that political journalists are tweeting that th...; Baroness Laing of Elderslie | 629 c884 (Link to this contribution)
The tweets of political journalists are certainly not a matter for the Chair. I class that as rum...; 629 c884 (Link to this contribution); Baroness Laing of Elderslie | 629 c884 (Link to this contribution)
Order. Before I call the next speaker, it is obvious to the House that a great many people—about ...; Lord Field of Birkenhead | 629 c884 (Link to this contribution)
I simply want to ask the Secretary of State a question. He said in his contribution that the sche...; Lord Harper | 629 c884 (Link to this contribution)
I will follow your strictures, Madam Deputy Speaker, and be relatively brief.
Let me take f...; Anne Main | 629 c884 (Link to this contribution)
Perhaps my right hon. Friend needs to look at the Annunciator. We have moved on. We are now not p...; Lord Harper | 629 c884 (Link to this contribution)
I was grateful for my hon. Friend’s earlier intervention, which was taken up. It is a serious poi...; Karen Buck | 629 c885 (Link to this contribution)
One of the principal concerns about universal credit is what is happening to people’s housing cos...; Lord Harper | 629 c885 (Link to this contribution)
Let me address part of that point now and I will also come on to it later in my remarks. We shoul...; Siobhain McDonagh | 629 c885 (Link to this contribution)
Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?; Lord Harper | 629 c886 (Link to this contribution)
I do not have very much time and I am conscious that Madam Deputy Speaker wants me to be brief, s...; Judith Cummins | 629 cc886-7 (Link to this contribution)
I am pleased to be called to speak in this very important debate.
I want to start with the ...; Justin Tomlinson | 629 c887 (Link to this contribution)
In highlighting the fact that these are real people, the hon. Member for Bradford South (Judith C...; Neil Gray | 629 c887 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the former Minister for giving way. He emphasised that he did not want the roll-out pause...; Justin Tomlinson | 629 cc888-9 (Link to this contribution)
I have only just started! And I do not have long.
For me, the key is the simplification of ...; Neil Coyle | 629 c889 (Link to this contribution)
The roll-out of universal credit affects more than 5,000 of my constituents, as Southwark has bee...; Karen Buck | 629 c889 (Link to this contribution)
We have heard from Government Members about the advantages of bringing all the benefits together ...; Neil Coyle | 629 cc889-890 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right.
The Government stressed again today that they put a lot...; Peter Aldous | 629 cc890-1 (Link to this contribution)
In my constituency the full roll-out of universal credit began in Lowestoft in May 2016, and is d...; Jessica Morden | 629 cc891-2 (Link to this contribution)
I am keenly aware that the full service roll-out is due to start in the Newport part of my consti...; Kate Green | 629 c892 (Link to this contribution)
Does my hon. Friend agree that the problem is compounded by the level of deductions of third-part...; Jessica Morden | 629 c892 (Link to this contribution)
I absolutely agree. The point is well made.
I know that housing associations are doing all ...; Edward Argar | 629 cc892-3 (Link to this contribution)
It is right that we are debating this important issue and, given its importance to all of our con...; Victoria Atkins | 629 c893 (Link to this contribution)
In the context of the cliff edge, does my hon. Friend agree that under the old system some claima...; Edward Argar | 629 c893 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes the point succinctly and effectively, highlighting, too, the great deficienc...; Alex Chalk | 629 c893 (Link to this contribution)
On the roll-out being staged, does my hon. Friend agree that a situation in which currently 8% of...; Edward Argar | 629 cc893-4 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend makes a valid point, which highlights the point that both the Secretary of State a...; Marie Rimmer | 629 c894 (Link to this contribution)
The Government’s aim was to simplify and streamline the benefits system, to improve work incentiv...; Jim Cunningham | 629 c894 (Link to this contribution)
I cannot see how this can be an incentive for people to go into work when most of the jobs they g...; Marie Rimmer | 629 cc894-5 (Link to this contribution)
I agree entirely with my hon. Friend.
These people are stressed, suffering from the effects...; Vicky Ford | 629 c895 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Marie Rimmer | 629 c895 (Link to this contribution)
Not at the moment.
A Citizens Advice survey showed that more than 39% of respondents waited...; Rishi Sunak | 629 c895 (Link to this contribution)
I believe our welfare system should do three simple things. It must be compassionate to those who...; Philippa Whitford | 629 c895 (Link to this contribution)
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that people trying to claim universal credit have reported being on t...; Rishi Sunak | 629 cc895-6 (Link to this contribution)
I am sure that the hon. Lady was here and heard the Secretary of State make the point that the ca...; Neil Coyle | 629 c896 (Link to this contribution)
How simplified, fair and supportive does the hon. Gentleman think it is for the 116,000 working d...; Rishi Sunak | 629 c896 (Link to this contribution)
I cannot say that I recognise that figure, because £700 million more was made available in the la...; Neil Coyle | 629 c896 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Gentleman give way again?; Rishi Sunak | 629 c896 (Link to this contribution)
No, I will carry on, given the number of people who want to speak.
Compassion alone is not ...; Sarah Jones | 629 c896 (Link to this contribution)
The hon. Gentleman talks of the transformational impact of universal credit, so will he please co...; Rishi Sunak | 629 cc896-7 (Link to this contribution)
I obviously cannot comment specifically on what is going on in Croydon, but the reasons for rent ...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c859 (Link to this contribution)
I beg to move,
That this House calls on the Government to pause the roll-out of Universal C...; Nick Thomas-Symonds | 629 c859 (Link to this contribution)
My hon. Friend talks about the underpinning principles. Surely, one of those should be that our s...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c859 (Link to this contribution)
Absolutely, and I will go on to make those points in a moment.
Getting back to the principl...; Mark Pawsey | 629 c859 (Link to this contribution)
My constituency was also a pathfinder, and since the introduction of UC in 2012, the claimant cou...; Debbie Abrahams | 629 c859 (Link to this contribution)
There may be many and varied reasons why the claimant count is down, not least the system of puni...; Chi Onwurah | 629 c859 (Link to this contribution)
Newcastle was also a pathfinder constituency. As the local MP, I have seen at first hand the abso...; Mhairi Black | 629 c897 (Link to this contribution)
I am going to make a straightforward speech as I am aware of how many Members want to speak. I am...; Angela Crawley | 629 c897 (Link to this contribution)
My South Lanarkshire constituency was one of the first in Scotland to see the roll-out of univers...; Mhairi Black | 629 cc897-8 (Link to this contribution)
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that point because I want to say to Conservative Members that ...; Drew Hendry | 629 c898 (Link to this contribution)
Will my hon. Friend give way?; Mhairi Black | 629 c898 (Link to this contribution)
I will keep going.
To progress with the roll-out of universal credit as it stands is callou...; Baroness Laing of Elderslie | 629 c899 (Link to this contribution)
Order. The hon. Lady will be heard.; Mhairi Black | 629 c899 (Link to this contribution)
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. As I have a wee bit of silence, let me take this opportunity to ...; Luke Hall | 629 cc899-900 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful to have a chance to speak in a debate that has had well-informed contributions from...; Neil Coyle | 629 c900 (Link to this contribution)
I am struggling to follow the point, because one of the biggest challenges of UC is that those wi...; Luke Hall | 629 c900 (Link to this contribution)
As I say, my experience for many years has been of a hugely detrimental experience for people who...; Grahame Morris | 629 cc900-1 (Link to this contribution)
I am pleased to be able to speak in this debate on a matter of some concern to me, because today ...; Matt Warman | 629 c901 (Link to this contribution)
I represent a deprived coastal constituency. I must say, both personally and on behalf of many of...; Grahame Morris | 629 c901 (Link to this contribution)
The problem is Government Members’ lack of understanding. The Opposition are calmly and rationall...; Angela Crawley | 629 c901 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman remember the former Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Chingfo...; Grahame Morris | 629 c901 (Link to this contribution)
I do recall those remarks, and I do not think it is possible. It would be incredibly instructive ...; Philippa Whitford | 629 c901 (Link to this contribution)
Does the hon. Gentleman share my concern, which I am sure is the concern of many Members present ...; Grahame Morris | 629 cc901-2 (Link to this contribution)
That is precisely the point that I am trying to make. I am afraid that the heat of the moment has...; Jo Churchill | 629 c902 (Link to this contribution)
Like the hon. Member for Easington (Grahame Morris), I too have universal credit rolling out in t...; David Drew | 629 c902 (Link to this contribution)
So far, everyone has talked about getting people into work, but there is a group of people who ar...; Jo Churchill | 629 cc902-3 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention, but if he will bear with me I will come on to th...; 629 c903 (Link to this contribution); Baroness Winterton of Doncaster | 629 c903 (Link to this contribution)
There are still approximately 60 Members who wish to speak in this debate, so I shall reduce the ...; Catherine McKinnell | 629 cc903-5 (Link to this contribution)
This debate is as vital as it is urgent, on something that has deeply affected my constituency an...; Andrew Bowie | 629 c905 (Link to this contribution)
I rise to voice my support for the planned roll-out of universal credit. Universal credit improve...; Anna McMorrin | 629 c905 (Link to this contribution)
It is obvious once again that this Government care more about saving face than serving the people...; Bob Seely | 629 c906 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Anna McMorrin | 629 c906 (Link to this contribution)
No, I will not give way.
The reality is that this accelerated and aggressive roll-out will ...; Simon Clarke | 629 c906 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Lady give way?; Anna McMorrin | 629 c906 (Link to this contribution)
No, I will not give way.
We are also seeing 475 needless deaths every year across Wales alo...; Lee Rowley | 629 cc906-7 (Link to this contribution)
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to contribute to this important debate.
<...; Thelma Walker | 629 cc907-8 (Link to this contribution)
What is happening to our country is something of which this Government should be ashamed. This is...; Richard Graham | 629 cc908-9 (Link to this contribution)
We have all known the reason for universal credit for a long time, and the day when no employee n...; Lady Hermon | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Richard Graham | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
I am very happy to take an intervention from my friend.; Lady Hermon | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
That is enormously kind, thoughtful and generous of the hon. Gentleman.; Sammy Wilson | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
No, it was not; it was selfish.; Lady Hermon | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
No, it was very generous, indeed. Given that the hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for North Eas...; Richard Graham | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
I agree with so much of what the hon. Lady says—I love her constituency—but rather than respond t...; Baroness Winterton of Doncaster | 629 c909 (Link to this contribution)
Order.
4.29 pm; Gerald Jones | 629 cc909-910 (Link to this contribution)
Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak in today’s important debate.
I kno...; Jeremy Quin | 629 cc910-1 (Link to this contribution)
I hope that the Minister and my other hon. Friends will bear with me if I quote the National Audi...; Tonia Antoniazzi | 629 cc911-2 (Link to this contribution)
I know I have not been here for long, but I am having difficulty believing my ears when I hear so...; Alex Burghart | 629 cc912-3 (Link to this contribution)
I am grateful for the opportunity to speak in this debate, Madam Deputy Speaker.
I have bee...; Sammy Wilson | 629 c913 (Link to this contribution)
I am surprised by the intensity of the controversy that has crept into this debate. The Labour pa...; Yasmin Qureshi | 629 c913 (Link to this contribution)
I have been a constituency MP for the last seven years, and since the roll-out of universal credi...; Sammy Wilson | 629 c913 (Link to this contribution)
If we added up the number of people who come with tax credit and benefit problems and so on, I gu...; Lady Hermon | 629 c914 (Link to this contribution)
Instead of praising the Government for what they have done today, the hon. Gentleman, I suggest, ...; Sammy Wilson | 629 c914 (Link to this contribution)
I am surprised that the hon. Lady, as a Unionist, has not identified where the real problem lies ...; Simon Clarke | 629 cc914-5 (Link to this contribution)
It is the hallmark of a fair welfare system that it includes a strong and effective way of helpin...; Ruth George | 629 c915 (Link to this contribution)
What would the hon. Gentleman say to the nearly 7,000 families in his constituency who currently ...; Lindsay Hoyle | 629 c915 (Link to this contribution)
Order. I am more than happy to allow interventions, but if Members who choose to intervene want t...; Simon Clarke | 629 cc915-6 (Link to this contribution)
In answer to the question, I would tell them that—as I would defend to anybody—this Government ar...; Siobhain McDonagh | 629 c916 (Link to this contribution)
My mum was 94 yesterday. When she came to London in 1947 as a young woman, the cards in the windo...; Sarah Wollaston | 629 cc916-7 (Link to this contribution)
I support the principles behind universal credit. My question is this: why are we undermining a p...; Heidi Allen | 629 c917 (Link to this contribution)
Does my hon. Friend agree that that would be sensible not only from an administrative point of vi...; Sarah Wollaston | 629 cc917-8 (Link to this contribution)
I absolutely agree. I say to the Minister, please, can we hear an assurance at least that there i...; Laura Smith | 629 c918 (Link to this contribution)
Today, I hope to give the House an insider’s look at what it can be like for a single parent rely...; Kirstene Hair | 629 cc918-9 (Link to this contribution)
It is incredibly important to highlight the common ground when discussing how we ensure that as m...; Ged Killen | 629 cc919-920 (Link to this contribution)
This month, universal credit will be rolled out in full across South Lanarkshire, which includes ...; Chris Green | 629 cc920-1 (Link to this contribution)
Welfare is naturally a great concern for anyone who receives welfare payments, especially if ther...; Sarah Jones | 629 cc921-2 (Link to this contribution)
My cautionary tale from Croydon is similar to that of my hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey an...; Damien Moore | 629 c922 (Link to this contribution)
I welcome the fact that the Opposition have chosen the subject of UC for this debate, as it has a...; Alison Thewliss | 629 cc922-3 (Link to this contribution)
I shall highlight a few constituency cases before I address a more substantive issue.
I wou...; Heidi Allen | 629 cc923-4 (Link to this contribution)
I am fortunate to have served on the Work and Pensions Committee since my election in 2015, and t...; Stephen Lloyd | 629 c924 (Link to this contribution)
rose —; Heidi Allen | 629 c924 (Link to this contribution)
I give way to the hon. Gentleman.; Stephen Lloyd | 629 c924 (Link to this contribution)
I thank the hon. Lady for giving way. I concur with a lot of what she is saying. Like many Member...; Heidi Allen | 629 cc924-5 (Link to this contribution)
I appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s intervention. I agree that we risk undermining the success of t...; Mike Amesbury | 629 c925 (Link to this contribution)
Just three and a half months ago, I came into this place with two main aims: to make life better ...; Tom Tugendhat | 629 c925 (Link to this contribution)
Will the hon. Gentleman give way?; Mike Amesbury | 629 c925 (Link to this contribution)
No, I will not.
The Government are ignoring the effects of the policy on people such as Luc...; Anne Main | 629 cc925-6 (Link to this contribution)
One of the advantages of having been elected to represent St Albans four times; Lindsay Hoyle | 629 c926 (Link to this contribution)
The time limit for speeches is now down to two minutes.
5.29 pm; Mike Hill | 629 cc926-7 (Link to this contribution)
In Hartlepool, where universal credit is already in place and therefore not being rolled out, I a...; Helen Whately | 629 c927 (Link to this contribution)
Listening to this afternoon’s debate, I have been disappointed by the relentless negativity from ...; Fiona Onasanya | 629 cc927-8 (Link to this contribution)
Delay is not denial. We are asking that the roll-out of universal credit be paused and the system...; Mims Davies | 629 c928 (Link to this contribution)
I welcome the key feature of universal credit, which aims to ensure that work always pays. As we ...; Danielle Rowley | 629 cc928-9 (Link to this contribution)
My constituency was an early roll-out area for universal credit and now has the full service, so ...; Rebecca Pow | 629 c929 (Link to this contribution)
We somehow seem to have bred a society that is too often too reliant on benefits. It is right tha...; Jo Platt | 629 cc929-930 (Link to this contribution)
Universal credit was introduced to Leigh in 2013 as part of the local authority pilot, and there ...; Matt Warman | 629 c930 (Link to this contribution)
We have heard many people talk in this debate about the work of Jobcentre Plus, and I begin by pa...; Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi | 629 cc930-1 (Link to this contribution)
The Secretary of State has recently received a letter from the leader of Slough Borough Council, ...; Bob Seely | 629 cc931-2 (Link to this contribution)
I have listened to this debate with an open mind, willing to criticise the Government if need be,...; Matt Rodda | 629 c932 (Link to this contribution)
I have been interested to hear the range of views discussed today. I am from one of the areas whe...; Baroness Winterton of Doncaster | 629 c932 (Link to this contribution)
Order.
5.50 pm; Ben Bradley | 629 cc932-3 (Link to this contribution)
In 2010, the coalition Government inherited a broken welfare system that was over-complicated and...
Subjects: Disability Disclosure of information Benefits rules Administration Debts Women Housing benefit Fees and charges Disqualification Food Employment schemes Ethnic groups Poverty Payments Lone parents Telephone services Self-employed Electronic government Universal credit
Link: View this Parliamentary proceeding on hansard.parliament.uk

Universal Credit Roll-out

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