MPs told to miss Universal Credit and school meal vote

CONSERVATIVE MPs were last night ordered by the Government’s chief whip to boycott two politically charged votes on Universal Credit (UC) and free school meals.

Labour has organised a debate in the House of Commons on stopping a planned cut to UC and Working Tax Credit in April and free school meals for eligible families during holidays.

Conservative MPs had been told that tomorrow’s vote would be a three line whip, requiring them to vote against the motion with the Government. However, Mark Spencer, the Chief Whip, said last night he wanted Tory MPs to abstain altogether.

He told The Sunday Telegraph: “We won’t be indulging this party political stunt by Labour which will have no statutory impact.

“The last time they did this many female MPs faced harassment, intimidation and even death threats in the aftermath. We are focused on supporting those who need it most through the pandemic, and ensuring no child goes hungry.” The votes – which Labour are now likely to win – have no force in law. A Tory source added: “Opposition Day Debates are non-binding and rather than affecting change they stoke political division.

“Each time Labour pulls these political stunts Conservative MPs are subjected to verbal abuse, social media threats and criminal damage.

“Labour claims it wants to be constructive at this time, if that’s the case it should focus their attention on the national efforts to beat the coronavirus.”

The decision came after 50 Conservative members of the Northern Research Group threatened to abstain rather than vote for a cut in UC.

Last week Jonathan Reynolds, the shadow work and pensions secretary, had urged Tory MPs “to vote with Labour on Monday to protect families’ incomes”. The Government is facing a defeat on Tuesday when more than 30 Tory MPs are expected to back a Lords amendment to give British courts a new role in determining if the Uighur people are suffering genocide in China.

Mr Spencer held a Zoom meeting for 2019 MPs yesterday to put pressure on them not to join the rebellion.

Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, has been battling to overturn an allparty amendment passed in the Lords giving victims of genocide the power to ask the UK high court to determine if genocide is taking place.