The decision to suspend the whip from four MPs and trade envoy roles from a further three for opposing cuts to welfare payments for disabled people is wrong. We call on the Labour Party leadership to reinstate them.

The divisive decision taken today to suspend MPs who opposed disability cuts does not strengthen the government - this move will only embolden those on the populist right wanting to see the Government fail.

The leadership should consider ways to ensure that a plurality of Labour voices are heard prior to the writing of legislation and should not punish those who move against proposed legislation in order to represent their constituents.

If the Government wants to be successful, it must bring the Labour party and the country along with them. We call on the Prime Minister and the Chief Whip to reinstate these MPs and start to build constructive and respectful relationships with all backbenchers and the entirety of the Labour Party.