MPs have backed a motion calling for the upcoming cut in Universal Credit to be scrapped, with nearly all Conservative MPs abstaining.
There were 278 votes in favour of the motion, with no votes against recorded.
Boris Johnson ordered his MPs to abstain, which means not voting for or against the motion.
But six Tories defied him and backed it: Robert Halfon, Stephen Crabb, Peter Aldous, Jason McCartney, Anne Marie Morris and Matthew Offord.
A £20-a-week increase in Universal Credit was introduced last year to help families cope during the COVID-19 pandemic, equating to an extra £1,000 a year for six million families.
But it is due to expire in April, leading to calls for it to be extended as the effects of the virus outbreak continue to be felt.
Downing Street has insisted that a decision on the future of the policy has not yet been made, with Chancellor Rishi Sunak due to set out the government’s plans “shortly”.
Mr Sunak is reported to be considering giving claimants a one-off payment of £500 instead.
The prime minister would not be drawn on what the government’s plans are when questioned about the issue earlier on Monday.
The outcome of the Commons vote, which was called by Labour, is not binding on the government.
But it will be seen as an indicator of the strength of feeling among MPs.
Keir Starmer’s party is calling on Mr Johnson to keep the £20 uplift in place.
In the longer term, he wants to scrap Universal Credit, and has previously spoken of replacing it with a “social security system fit for the 21st century with compassion and justice as its founding principles”.
Referencing a previous message calling on Tory MPs to “do the right thing” and vote with Labour, Starmer tweeted after the vote: “They didn’t even show up.”
Labour’s shadow work and pensions secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “It is disappointing that the Conservative government refused to vote with Labour to provide families with certainty and secure our economy.
“They can still do the right thing and drop their plans to cut Universal Credit.”
In a WhatsApp message to Conservative MPs, the prime minister accused Labour of “playing politics” with “legislatively vacuous opposition debates”.
But as well as pressure from opposition parties, Mr Johnson is also facing potential unrest in the Tory ranks over the policy.
The 65 Conservatives that make up the Northern Research Group have said scrapping the increase would be “devastating” for families.
Addressing the debate, Treasury minister Steve Barclay said the government was “acutely aware” of the hit to the finances of many people during the pandemic.
“It’s clear that there is a heartfelt desire shared across all sides of the House to support constituents impacted by the economic consequences of COVID,” he said.
“As a government, we are acutely aware of the harm caused by the crisis to people’s finances including the most vulnerable in our society.
“At every stage of the pandemic, we have striven to support those who have found themselves at the sharp end.”
Mr Barclay said ministers had introduced a range of welfare measures totalling more than £7bn this year, adding that March’s budget would be the right time to set out “future tax and welfare decisions”.
Mr Johnson said earlier during a visit to Oxfordshire: “What we have said is we will put our arms around the whole of the country throughout the pandemic.
“We have already done £280bn worth of support and we will keep all measures under constant review.”
It begs the question what are the Tories planning for the poorest people in society or those who find themselves at a financial disposition? Surely we should expect that a supposed civilised society would provide leaders with empathy?
No? Well why is it that so many with a moral conscience and seek to unite behind much more egalitarian issues are shut out?
That should be a leading question every minute of every day. Once we have the answer and we act upon it, all our problems will begin to dissipate.
Douglas James
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