Liberal Democrat activist and campaigner Mr Irfan Ahmed has today said he openly backs an amendment to a motion going to Lib Dem Conference which calls on Liberal Democrat MPs to oppose a time limit on how long people can claim ESA for.
ESA as described by the Direct Gov website is: " Employment and Support Allowance provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability. It also provides personalised support to those who are able to work. Find out more about Employment and Support Allowance."
Irfan Ahmed said:
"I believe Liberal Democrat MPs need to show their support for plans to save ESA and to not put a cap on how long someone can claim it for. If the Tories get their way I can bet my bottom dollar they will try and put a limit on how long you can claim ESA for and that's why we need action.
"Lib Dem members should support this amendment through conference and Lib Dem MPs must honour the amendment regardless of it passing the conference vote in my opinion. It is common sense to not put a limit on how long people can claim ESA for."
The Liberal Democrat conference amendment reads:
“Liberal Democrats in Government to oppose an arbitrary time limit on how long claimants can claim contributory ESA.”