Universal Credit and Welfare Reform

Part of Opposition Day — [6th Allotted Day] – in the House of Commons at 6:07 pm on 11 September 2012.

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Photo of Jacob Rees-Mogg Jacob Rees-Mogg Conservative, North East Somerset 6:07, 11 September 2012

I am very sympathetic to what my hon. Friend says. This is something of a puzzle to me, because the Labour Front-Bench spokesmen on this subject are among the most civilised members of the Opposition, and it seems uncharacteristic of them to table such a motion—[Hon. Members: “Hear, hear!”] I felt sure that they would be delighted to be flattered by me, of all people. What I have said about them is true, however; it is recognised by those on my own Front Bench.

However, the motion before us is extremely overstated. It uses the language of chaos and disaster, as did Mr Byrne, and calls on the Government “urgently to set out” plans. In contrast, the Secretary of State answered every question that was put to him. He was willing to listen, and he is doing something that, in principle, those on both sides of the House agree with.