Labour hits out at minister David Gauke for failing to attend Universal Credit debate
2 min read
Labour has rebuked Work and Pensions Secretary David Gauke for failing to attend an emergency debate on the controversial Universal Credit system.
Employment Minister David Hinds was instead left to defend the planned roll-out of the new benefits plan, which has faced fierce criticism from the opposition in recent weeks.
Mr Gauke’s opposite number, Debbie Abrahams, said she had not had a “satisfactory response” from the minister’s department when she asked why he would not be attending.
“I always welcome the minister to his place, but I would like to ask why the Secretary of State isn’t here to answer.
“Obviously I understand that emergencies do happen, but I haven’t had any satisfactory response from his office when I rang earlier, and apparently Downing Street are none the wiser either.”
The debate follows last week’s opposition day motion, when MPs voted 299 to 0 to pause the roll-out of the scheme.
In an unusual step, Tory whips demanded their MPs abstain from the vote, fearing that they would lose it regardless.
Ms Abrahams added: “All previous governments have recognised that the failure to carry the House against an opposition motion is a serious rebuke to the government's policy on an issue, and has been treated accordingly.
"This is even more important when the House has spoken on an issue that could dramatically affect the lives of up to seven million people, and they are the people who will be subject to the flawed Universal Credit programme."
Mr Hinds told MPs that last week's vote was "legitimate" and that ministers would seek to "evolve and improve" the way Universal Credit functioned.
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