This article presents a revised model motion after the votes in parliament on 1/7/25.

We oppose cuts in disability benefits or the introduction of a two-tier system for those benefits. We welcome the government’s promise to remove section 5 from the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, but call on it now to withdraw that Bill entirely and instead commit to taxing the wealthy, such that any redesign of disability benefits can be genuinely ‘co-produced’ and enable improved living for people with disabilities.

We also note that people with disabilities often encounter inaccessible work and work policies imposed by employers, and that improved access to work depends on trade union rights and other rights at work. We call for a united Labour and trades union campaign at local and national level for accessible working conditions.

Previous template motion for CLPs:

This CLP endorses the statement from affiliated socialist society Disability Labour asking all MPs to oppose the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. We agree that the creation of a two-tier system would be a backward step, in which people in identical circumstances will no longer have identical entitlements.

This motion to be sent to our MP.

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The Disability Labour statement in full:

Government Concessions Fail to Address Disability Benefit Crisis

Dear Colleague,

We are writing on behalf of Disability Labour to express our ongoing and grave concern about the government’s proposed reforms to disability benefits. The recent announcement to exempt existing claimants from new cuts to PIP and UC may have addressed the concerns of some Members of Parliament – but it does not address those of Disabled people and their representatives.

The proposed legislation still includes:

• Raised eligibility thresholds for PIP, disproportionately affecting those with mental health conditions, neurodivergence, and fluctuating or invisible conditions
• Reductions in UC support for those deemed unable to work
• Unexplained and unaddressed proposals to change the severe conditions criteria, which determine long-term entitlement to support

Future applicants will face significantly greater barriers to essential support. Under this two-tier system, they remain at serious risk of being left in poverty simply because of when they apply.

Disability Labour stands firmly against a two-tier system that divides Disabled people into those the state deems “deserving” of dignity and those it does not. We will continue to oppose all cuts to disability benefits, and we call for a just, inclusive welfare system that supports everyone who needs it.

We ask all MPs to oppose this bill, and to work toward reform that is co-produced with Disabled people, anchored in evidence, and driven by a commitment to equality and justice.

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This statement has also been endorsed by affiliated socialist society the Socialist Educational Association, noting the projected impact of the bill on child poverty and the education workforce.