Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood has called on the Labour Government to "completely abandon" its proposed benefit cuts Bill.

The Lagan Valley MP made her comments ahead of a planned vote on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, following the Government's announcement of a partial climbdown on the cuts in response to a threatened rebellion by over 100 Labour MPs.

"This Government continues to characterise itself by decisions which are both abhorrently cruel and objectively needless," Ms Eastwood said. "It is clearer by the day that it is desperately out of step – with public opinion, basic decency, sound economics and now even its own MPs. If the Government need to make savings they should show courage, stop punching down and finally make the super wealthy pay their fair share instead." Ms Eastwood warned that the proposed cuts would disproportionately affect Northern Ireland. "The reality is that these cuts stand to affect Northern Ireland disproportionately. Over 11% of Northern Irish residents receive PIPs which is remarkably higher than any other country in the UK. That's why I have signed these amendments. The Government must abandon these cuts immediately, there is still time to change course. If Labour do press ahead with this vote, the hardest hit will be the most vulnerable in our society."

While acknowledging a recent concession, Ms Eastwood expressed concerns about its practical implications. "It is welcome news that these cuts will not apply to those already receiving benefits. However, this has done little except create more ambiguity and stress surrounding review and appeal processes."