Conservative MPs refuse to vote to stop universal credit cut that will hit 221,189 families in Wales

Conservative MPs in Wales refused to vote with Labour this evening to stop Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak’s plan to cut Universal Credit by over £1,000 a year, which will hit 221,189 families in Wales.

Labour forced a crunch vote in the House of Commons this evening to scrap the cut and support family incomes during the pandemic.

13 Welsh Conservative MPs failed to support Labour’s motion to give families certainty and stop the cut, which is equivalent to the cost of an average family’s annual electricity, gas and internet bills combined.

Jonathan Reynolds MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:

“It is bitterly disappointing that Conservatives failed to vote with Labour to stop their party’s planned cut to universal credit.

“Britain is facing the worst recession of any major economy because of the Government’s incompetence and indecision.

“Now the Chancellor expects families in Wales to foot the bill – taking £1,000 a year from 221,189 families, damaging our recovery and pulling children into poverty.

“This was a missed opportunity for the Government to give families the certainty and security they deserve.”