Government must meet its obligation to disabled - Barrett

12 January 2010

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West today slammed the Government for illegally sidestepping its obligations to disabled people who have moved abroad in their retirement.

The Government have frozen disability benefits to around 3,000 UK citizens who have paid taxes and National Insurance in this country and have later moved to another EU country, many for health reasons.

The European Court of Justice has ruled that those people affected are entitled to the disability benefits under European law. The Government has ignored the ruling and is facing legal action from the European Commission to force it to pay-up.

Speaking in a debate in Westminster, John Barrett said:

“Ministers have used every trick in the book to wriggle out of their obligations.

“Many of these people have moved abroad in their final years for health reasons, they have paid their taxes and have earned the right for help from the state.

“For the Government to pull the rug from under these people when they most need help is shameful behaviour.”

“It is time for the Government to admit its mistake, apologise and reinstate these benefits immediately.

Mike Crockart, the Lib Dem candidate to succeed Mr Barrett at the coming general election said:

“This is a classic example of the Government creating endless loopholes to avoid having to pay people what is due to them. These are people who have worked hard and deserve to be treated with respect by the state.”

ENDS