The entire UK political/media narrative on welfare is that it is "burgeoning", "a burden" & "unsustainable". But how high is it compared to others? UK welfare is 10.8% of GDP in 2023 (including pensions). Finland spends 25.7% of GDP; France 23.8%: both double the UK.

It’s not a cold. You can’t keep getting it.

Yesterday I spoke in support of the campaign to secure justice for the Waspi & 1950s women that were robbed of their pension rights & who have received no compensation despite the Ombudsman’s report calling for action from the government.Shameful the government has refused to act

"Six million children are living with Long COVID. Their symptoms disrupt memory, energy, mood, and development, keeping them out of school, sidelined from friendships, and left without answers." https://t.co/cTPtliWOy4

Labour MP Rachael Maskell appears close to tears as she 'pleads' with the government to abandon planned welfare cuts 'These Dickensian cuts belong to a different era and a different party', she said

I am going into the Commons Chamber to speak against & vote against the Government’s appalling Bill to cut disability benefits. I urge all Labour MPs to do so. I was elected to protect disabled people not harm them.

Whatever people’s views about the concessions, surely everyone can see the process here is ALL wrong? Third Reading in eight days? A timetable like that diminishes the role of MPs in getting this legislation right, shuts out disabled people and puts too many at risk.

We are proud to announce that @hzomlot, Ambassador of the State of Palestine, will speak at the 139th @DurhamGala. We will use the occasion to voice our solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of genocide. Please read DMA statement in full: https://t.co/PDKaZYMxkF

I made it clear from the start I could not support the proposals on personal independence payments. It is an in-work benefit, designed to ensure disabled people can live independently. https://t.co/rlZ10aX4Ja

Those in charge lost their moral compass. The bereaved, their loved ones and carers deserved so much better. Pete Weatherby KC, on behalf of the Covid Bereaved, at the opening of the @covidinquiryuk Care hearings today.

snippet from an interview with Sky News this morning, as temperatures are set to reach dangerous highs of 34°C The government promised us action on working temperatures. Now’s the time!

“Let’s punish the hospitals that are struggling the most, so that we can continue weakening vulnerable parts of the NHS and justify opening it up to private companies.”🚨 Absolutely dreadful plan that will impact patients, staff & the NHS as a structure: https://t.co/kIJD6z2n6g

Did you know… ⁉️ There is a legal maximum temperature of 30°C for transporting livestock 🐄🐑 But still no legal maximum working temperature for humans 👩🏼‍🏫👩🏽‍⚕️

Today the DWP will publish the terms of reference for its review of PIP. It is vital that changes are properly co-produced with disabled people. This isn’t just about warm words. This is about making sure we get policy right. https://t.co/k6nxCipHlY

MPs are being sent numerous briefings from organisations representing disabled people and fighting poverty, all urging us to vote against the UC & PIP Bill. "Country before Party" it is time to ditch the Bill.

“As the people of Liverpool Riverside, and communities across the country, watch closely to see where our values lie, I say clearly: this is not the legacy I came into politics to uphold” https://t.co/TihynRozvE

When a privatised company like Thames Water builds a new reservoir, it is THEIR shareholders who benefit from a new asset on THEIR balance sheet that we’ve all paid for through OUR bills! The game is rigged. End the rip-off. Public ownership NOW! https://t.co/lKcBNOxSf8

So exactly 16 days after govt introduced bans on 6 water companies paying bonuses, including @SouthWestWater fat cat CEO Susan Davy of South West Water fame gets paid nearly £200,000 in shares bonuses. That didn't take long then. As I said at the time, nothing but performative

These proposed concessions to the Welfare Bill don’t go far enough. ❌ No consultation with disabled people ❌ No government impact assessment ❌ No OBR analysis ❌ No publication of PIP or Mayfield Review The Reasoned Amendment was clear. Disabled people are being ignored.

The UK just announced billions more for the military. No market panic. No emergency budget. No cries of “how will we pay for it?” Because when the rich benefit, the media stays silent. But help the poor survive? Now that’s a “problem.” #WelfareNotWarfare