Labour Faces Backlash Over Planned Cuts to Disability Benefits
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing backlash over plans to cut disability benefits as part of a broader welfare reform. Labour MPs and unions have voiced strong opposition, warning that the cuts would push vulnerable people into further hardship. Reports suggest that the government is planning to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), freeze payments next year, and cut incapacity benefits for those unable to work while increasing support for those in work or seeking employment. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey directly challenged Starmer to rule out cuts for those who cannot work, but the PM only stated that his government would "support those who need support" while helping others into employment.
The proposals have sparked an internal Labour rebellion, with around 80 MPs opposing the changes. Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome criticized the move, arguing that "it was wrong when David Cameron cut welfare, and it would be wrong for us to do that now." Other MPs have warned that freezing PIP would unfairly punish those with severe disabilities who cannot work, calling such a move "unforgivable." Trade unions have also condemned the plans, with TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak stating that cutting benefits would "only make the current challenges worse" and urging Labour to focus on fixing the assessment system rather than reducing support.
The government has defended the changes, arguing that the welfare system needs reform to promote employment and economic stability. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce over £5 billion in savings through stricter PIP assessments, with some of the money reinvested into employment support. However, many within Labour remain unconvinced, with one MP warning that the cuts "starkly contradict the values upon which our party was founded." Amid growing opposition, Downing Street is reportedly considering measures to protect the most severely disabled from the impact of the reforms.
