Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateFreddie van Mierlo
Main Page: Freddie van Mierlo (Liberal Democrat - Henley and Thame)Department Debates - View all Freddie van Mierlo's debates with the Department for Work and Pensions
(2 days, 9 hours ago)
Commons ChamberOne amendment tabled by the Conservatives seeks to strip foreign nationals of the right to claim benefits. That could mean that some people are left with no support whatsoever, which could include my father, who has been in this country for 40 years and paid into the system. The amendment tabled by the Conservatives is absolutely despicable, and I invite the hon. Member to join me in agreeing with that statement.
The hon. Member makes a powerful point. We have to raise our heads and look at our brothers and sisters, who are actively and economically engaged in our country, and think about the contribution they make and the payments they make into the Treasury, through tax and national insurance. We must treat them with dignity and respect, rather than trying to other them at every opportunity.