Sir Keir Starmer has strongly criticized the existing benefits system, calling it unsustainable, indefensible, and unfair. Speaking to Labour MPs on Monday evening, the prime minister emphasized that the government could not simply ignore the issue. He described the current welfare structure as ineffective, discouraging employment while placing an increasing financial burden on the country.
His remarks come as Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall prepares to announce modifications to the welfare system, aiming to reduce the benefits bill in the coming weeks. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also proposed several billion pounds in spending cuts across welfare and other government sectors, which will be detailed in the upcoming Spring Statement.
Expected changes include stricter eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a financial aid program for individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions, and reductions in incapacity benefits for those unable to work and receiving Universal Credit.
However, these proposals have sparked internal concerns within the Labour Party. MP Rachael Maskell cautioned against severe cuts that could drive disabled individuals into poverty. She expressed deep concern among her colleagues, emphasizing that Labour must uphold its core values by assisting rather than harming vulnerable people.
Another Labour MP, Neil Duncan-Jordan, echoed these worries, warning that imposing financial hardship on low-income individuals would alienate certain MPs from supporting the reforms. He likened the proposed cuts to past austerity measures and voiced apprehension about their potential consequences.
Despite opposition, some Labour members advocate for reform. The Get Britain Working group, consisting of 36 Labour MPs, argues that the government has a moral obligation to assist long-term sick and disabled individuals in securing employment. In a letter to Kendall, they stressed the need for difficult choices to address the economic inactivity crisis.
During Monday’s meeting, Starmer stated that the current system was deeply flawed, discouraging work while burdening taxpayers. He highlighted the significant number of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training and the continued struggles of those who rely on social safety nets.
He emphasized Labour’s commitment to fairness, asserting that those capable of working would be supported in finding employment, while those in need would receive necessary assistance. However, he reaffirmed that Labour upholds the dignity of work and respects every worker.
Following the meeting, some MPs expressed satisfaction with Starmer’s stance, acknowledging the necessity of welfare reforms while appreciating his emphasis on Labour values. Others remained concerned about potential reductions in vital benefits like PIP, fearing increased long-term costs.
MP Diane Abbott criticized the lack of opportunity to question the welfare proposals, stating she was denied access to the meeting. Additionally, a coalition of charities—including Disability Rights UK, Citizens Advice, and Scope—urged Chancellor Reeves to reconsider the cuts, arguing that reducing benefits does not necessarily improve employment rates.
Government officials, however, remain concerned about the rising number of benefit claimants since the Covid-19 pandemic and the increasing financial strain. As of January, 9.3 million people aged 16 to 64 were economically inactive, an increase of 713,000 since the pandemic, with 2.8 million citing long-term illness as the reason.
Last year, the government spent £65bn on sickness benefits, a figure expected to rise significantly before the next general election. Some proposed welfare reforms, including deploying 1,000 work coaches to assist the long-term unemployed, have already been disclosed.
Conservative MP Andrew Griffith supported Starmer’s acknowledgment of the issue, stating that high numbers of working-age individuals on welfare harm both the economy and the nation’s character. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat spokesperson Steve Darling criticized the approach, arguing that reducing support without addressing the shortcomings in public services would be ineffective. He called for long-term investment in health and social care rather than short-term financial cuts targeting the vulnerable.
Source:https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kgpyz3mmpo
