VALE MP Alun Cairns has defended his decision to vote in favour of a cut to benefits for disabled people

MPs recently voted to cut £30 a week from Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for people in the work-related activity group, claimants who the Department for Work and Pensions say will be capable of work in the future and who are capable of taking steps towards moving into work.

The vote saw 309 members voting in favour of the cuts, with 274 against. All 309 votes in favour were from Conservative members with 16 members, including David Cameron, abstaining and three voting against.

Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns was one of the members who voted for the cuts.

He said: “Benefits have increased for disabled people every year since 2010, and the new Personal Independence Payment scheme now means that those with the highest care needs and mobility support receive more than under the previous system.

"The changes are being made to a specific group of people that are actively seeking work, with the aim of equalising the disparity between Employment and Support Allowance and Job Seekers Allowance.

“Current recipients of ESA and disabled or sick people who are unable to work are wholly unaffected by this area of welfare reform.”