Barrow's MP Simon Fell defends decision to abstain on Universal Credit vote after criticism from the Labour Party

A £20-a-week increase in Universal Credit was introduced last year to help families cope during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that is set to expire at the end of March.

The non-binding motion was passed by 278 votes to none, with every party in the House of Commons voting in favour of the motion apart from the Conservatives who abstained.

Shaun Blezard, Barrow & Furness Constituency Labour Party policy officer, said: "While it was pleasing to hear Mr Fell’s words on Monday, we are disappointed in his inaction in abstaining.

"As he has said, there are so many in our community struggling financially due to his government’s policies that we need him to do the right thing, and vote with his constituents and not on party lines.

"I don’t understand how abstaining on such important votes is somehow seen as taking the moral high ground.

"It is not a matter of party politics but of keeping our communities together during this pandemic.

"So in that spirit I say to Mr Fell well done for speaking up but please follow this through in future votes and be a true voice for our area and put words into actions.

"Saying one thing and doing another just won’t do anymore."

ISSUE: Cllr Shaun Blezard

Six Tory MPs defied party orders to abstain and voted with Labour, adding to the pressure on the PM on the issue.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow, said: "I think that the uplift should remain while the pandemic continues to bite.

"It has made all the difference to many families and individuals in Furness.

"It's right that this should be considered at the Budget rather than just because the opposition asks for it.

"My colleagues and I will continue to fight for this. Frankly Labour's response around this has been awful - nothing has been cut as a result of this meaningless vote, but you wouldn't believe it from the scaremongering they've put out online which serves no one but them.

"But I shouldn't expect anything else from a party that is asking for more money into a system that they have called to be scrapped. Bonkers."

MP: Simon Fell

South Lakes MP Tim Farron voted in favour of a Parliamentary motion calling for the Government to scrap plans to cut Universal Credit.

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: “While the roll out of vaccines means that the end of this crisis is now in sight, local families still face months of real hardship.

“Cutting away support to those most in need at this very difficult time would be absolutely unthinkable.

Tim Farron speaking in Parliament

“I really hope that last night’s vote puts pressure on the Government to wake up and change their mind – desperate families across the South Lakes are counting on it.”