The Labour MPs for both Lancaster and Morecambe have backed a bid to stop major reforms to the benefits system.
Cat Smith and Lizzi Collinge are among more than 100 MPs who have signed an amendment to try and stop government legislation that would cut disability and sickness benefits, as part of plans to save £5bn a year by 2030.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill includes proposals to make it harder for disabled people with less severe conditions to claim personal independence payment (PIP).
The amendment signed by the group of MPs would give them an opportunity to vote on a proposal to reject the welfare reform bill in its entirety.
The ‘reasoned amendment’ says the bill should be rejected due to the hundreds of thousands of people the plans would push into relative poverty, a lack of consultation, and an inadequate impact assessment on the consequences on the jobs market and on people's health.
The amendment would need to be selected by the speaker of the house, Lindsay Hoyle, and then gain the support of opposition parties in a vote. If this was to happen, the bill would not be able to continue its passage through Parliament to become law.
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said: ‘’I have signed this reasoned amendment.
‘’The majority of reforms proposed by the Government are both necessary and welcome but I can't support changes to PIP eligibility.
‘’We need to reduce numbers by actually preventing ill health. Our other actions in Government are all pushing the right way in getting the economy sorted and making people healthier, so it's with a heavy heart that I have taken this step.’’
The government's proposals are aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work, by tightening of criteria for the personal independence payment.
They also include a reduction to the sickness-related element of Universal Credit and delayed access to only those aged 22 and over.
The legislation is currently to be debated by MPs in a second reading on July 1.
Lancaster whisky distillery to open new £150k warehouse and bottling hall at former antiques centre
Lancaster man makes final of UK's biggest classic car show
Man arrested for possessing alcohol in breach of police order in Morecambe
Pensioner in her 80s seriously injured following collision near Lancaster
PHOTOS: Symphony orchestra in a pub launches Lancaster Music Festival 2026
"It's beyond a joke" Businesses speak out after youths run amok in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe police officers receive awards for hard work and dedication
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival 2026 set to begin
Hospital chaplain set to host remembrance service in Lancaster
Man arrested in Bolton-le-Sands on suspicion of indecent exposure and public order offences
Dates announced for Morecambe Promenade and Heysham Village fireworks displays
Plaque unveiled to honour groundbreaking sculptor of war memorial in Lancaster
Taxi driver suspended as part of licencing crackdown in Lancaster district
Closure announced of Lancaster city centre record store
KFC staff and Wombles join forces to clean up Morecambe Prom
Paramedic degree apprentices to be trained in Lancaster
Car flips onto roof following collision near Hornby
LISTEN: Jail and Bail returns to Lancaster as bosses to be locked up for hospice
Pioneering Morecambe school eco-garden bears fruit ahead of Apple Day
£800K appeal launched to save Lancaster Cathedral spire from collapse
