Department for Work and Pensions

The new MP for Aberdeen South highlights the importance of preserving jobs in the oil and gas sector, emphasising that his election victory was a mandate against damaging policies. He pays tribute to predecessors and underscores the enduring value of the United Kingdom's unity.

Opens the debate and introduces speakers. Emphasises the importance of short contributions due to time constraints.

Acknowledges the impact of political events on her life, such as Brexit and Scottish independence. Emphasises the importance of youth voices in politics and highlights the community spirit of Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.

Did not provide a detailed contribution within the provided text, only noted that Back Benchers now have a time limit of two and a half minutes.

Praises the Child Maintenance Service for its aim to ensure financial security for children from separated parents. Supports the Government's plans to improve the service, aiming to lift 20,000 children out of poverty through minimal funding changes.

Discusses welfare spending, debunking myths about its ballooning and emphasising that it is not a primary cause of economic problems. Highlights the need for accurate data interpretation to avoid mischaracterising claimants.

Youth unemployment is over 16% and NEETs stand at nearly 1 million, which is bad for individuals and the economy. The Government's Timms review does not consider future savings on PIP. The changes to national insurance are major disincentives to work. Many people over 50 but of working age are also unemployed.

Ends Back-Bench contributions and calls the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

The DWP faces challenges due to national insurance hikes, utility bills issues, and business rates. Access to Work claims take up to 37 weeks instead of five, putting people with disabilities in an invidious situation. The Government is failing WASPI women by not providing compensation and job cuts at Cotswold House in Torquay are disturbing.

The speech details rising unemployment and youth unemployment rates under Labour’s tenure, along with increased claims for universal credit and personal independence payments. It also criticises the impact of policy changes such as employer national insurance contributions and the Employment Rights Act 2025 on job creation and youth employment. Garnier expresses concern over fraud in welfare systems and calls for action against benefit cheats to disincentivise fraud.

The debate underlines the importance of the DWP in supporting millions of people as a cornerstone of the welfare state. Diana R. Johnson congratulates new MPs on their maiden speeches and addresses recent changes to the Department, including taking responsibility for adult skills from the Department for Education to create pathways into rewarding careers. She also mentions the relocation of the child poverty unit to the DWP, ensuring continuity through interministerial oversight. Additionally, she discusses the introduction of a crisis and resilience fund to provide support before crises occur. Johnson highlights supporting young people as the top priority, aiming to reduce youth unemployment and invest in their futures with £2.5 billion of additional investment.

Abrahams supports the need for transformation in people’s lives through employment support, focusing on opportunities for young people and disabled individuals. She emphasises reducing social security spending by £20 billion by the end of the Parliament while avoiding harm to vulnerable groups.