Calder Valley MP continues to press Government ahead of crucial benefits vote
Plus, new signings galore for Shaymen
Hello and welcome to a special Tuesday edition of The Calderdale Lead.
Apologies for the absence of a weekend edition, it was a mix of tech issues that meant we couldn’t deliver our usual Sunday read.
In today’s issue we look ahead to the crucial Commons vote on Labour’s planned reform of the welfare system, and more specifically the issues surround PIP payments.
Once of our local MPs - who signed last week’s reasoned ammendment - is continuing to push the Government for answers.
Plus, new Halifax Town boss Adam Lakeland is already making his mark with a string of new signings as the players return for pre-season training.
So, on with the news…
Calderdale MP says voices of disabled people must be heard in welfare reform
By Andrew Greaves
Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn says he is continuing to push the Government for answers ahead of a vote on controversial plans to reform the welfare system.
Mr Fenton-Glynn questioned Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall yesterday on the plans, securing confirmation from the under-fire minister that existing claimants would have any adjustment claims assessed under the current process.
The government's initial welfare reform bill, which proposed tightening eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and slashing the health-related component of Universal Credit, has met fierce resistance from within the Labour Party.
The controversial measures, intended to streamline welfare spending, were criticised for their potential to deepen hardship among vulnerable groups.
In a dramatic show of dissent, 126 Labour backbenchers signed an amendment to block the bill at its first parliamentary reading.
Mr Fenton-Glynn was among those Labour MPs threatening to derail the bill.
The rebels argued that the reforms were hastily drafted and would disproportionately harm disabled individuals, risking pushing many into poverty.
Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was forced to scale back the proposals after it became clear that the rebels were not backing down.
New government modelling, released on Monday, projects that approximately 150,000 people could be pushed into poverty by 2030 due to the revised welfare changes.
While this figure is lower than the 250,000 initially forecasted, it has done little to quell concerns among opponents, who argue the reforms still fall short of protecting the most disadvantaged.
And Mr Fenton-Glynn said last night: “As things stand, all PIP recipients who currently get the benefit will have their benefits protected. I asked a question about this to get an assurance from the dispatch box from the Secretary of State that people with worsening health will continue to be assessed under the current system if they believe they will be entitled to more money in PIP.
“Between now and the vote, I will continue working with ministers to help confirm any changes to the program moving forward will consider and centre the voices of disabled people and organisations who represent them.”
The Labour whips were this morning still trying to secure support for the scaled-back plans, amid fears from Number 10 that the rebels might still not be willing to bend to the Government’s new tune.
The vote is expected sometime around 7.30pm tonight.
Shaymen add to ranks as pre-season gets going under new boss Lakeland
By Andrew Greaves
New Halifax Town boss Adam Lakeland has moved quickly to secure a number of new signings ahead of the start of the new National League season.
The club announced not one but FIVE new arrivals over the last few days.
Lakeland swooped on former side Kings Lynn to secure the services of central midfielder Cody Johnson and right-back Dylan Crowe.
Teen winger AJ Warburton has arrived at the Shay from Northern Premier League West Division side Avro FC, while former Burnley midfielder Will Hugill has hooked up with the side following his release from Turf Moor.
And striker David Kawa was the latest signing of the week, moving to West Yorkshire following a season at Aveley.
Lakeland said he was pleased with the business done so far: “They are all young, hungry players who want to work hard, develop and help us to have a positive season.
“I’ve worked with Dylan and Cody before, both of whom are great lads and good professionals.
“Will is a player who just doesn’t stop. His energy, workrate and athleticism are attributes which I believe will see him be a good and popular player for us.
“David is a quick, powerful player who can stretch the pitch, go past people and finish when in positions to score.
“AJ is a young player who is stepping up several divisions and coming into professional football for the first time, but he has real ability and potential which he will hopefull enhance and maximise in his time with us.”
Fixtures for the 2025/26 Enterprise National League season are set to be announced on July 9 with the first round of games taking place on August 9.
That’s in for this edition, we’ll be back later in the week with another edition and reaction to tonight’s vote.
Until then, enjoy your week and don’t forget to drop me a line on calderdale@thelead.uk if there’s anything you think I should be covering.
Cheers
Andrew
Most of the Lab rebels who stayed the course were from the North. JFG voted for. Oliver Ryan voted for.