Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde Urges Government to Rethink PIP Cuts

Josh Babarinde, Lib Dem MP Member for Eastbourne, has voted against the Government’s cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit in Parliament. 

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Babarinde warned that the Government’s plans would have a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable members of society, and noted that the Bill would leave the fate of those people living with disabilities down to “luck”.

"The Secretary of State must listen to the voices of those who will be directly affected by these changes,” he said.

Going head to head with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall, Mr Babarinde highlighted the case of Eastbourne resident Kathy who was left unable to work following a serious car accident, and now relies on PIP for support. 

In response, the Secretary of State acknowledged the concerns, and reaffirmed her commitment to listening to the views of residents. Mr Babarinde has reached out to the Secretary of State’s team to urgently schedule a meeting to discuss this further. 

In a statement issued following the exchange, Mr Babarinde said:

“This Government must not attempt to balance the books at the expense of those people in Eastbourne living with disabilities. These people aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet; they’re real people, who are terrified at the prospect of these cuts.

They’re people like my constituent Kathy - who worked hard all her life until tragedy struck. Cutting support for her and others in a similar position is not just unfair, it’s wrong.

I will continue to fight for people living with disabilities in Eastbourne and across the country.”