Poplar and Limehouse MP, Apsana Begum MP, calls for the end to cruel benefit punishments and welfare cuts.  

During a debate on the Budget today, Apsana Begum MP called for the end to cruel benefit measures and welfare cuts, and a complete overhaul of the society security system to ensure that everyone can live in dignity and fulfil their potential.

Apsana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, said,

“Whilst the Budget has delivered a long overdue increase in the Living Wage, welcomed measures to tackle tax avoidance and money for public services, the reality is that there are widespread fears that the investment is not on the scale needed.
Millions will still be left with not being able to cover essentials due to failures in the social security system and the continuing of punitive measures i.e. the two-child limit, the benefit cap and sanctions regime remain.

Likewise, the commitment to delivering the Tories’ welfare savings is alarming given we already know of the harm caused by dehumanising assessments and sanctions, including the reports of deaths directly related to the social security regime.

We need a complete overhaul of the society security system, so that everyone can live in dignity and fulfil their potential.

Because I refuse to accept poverty inevitable, and the true measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable.”