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2mo ago

Labour Faces Internal Tensions Over Planned Disability Benefit Cuts

Keir Starmer's government faces growing dissent from MPs and ministers over £6bn welfare reforms ahead of the Spring Statement.

Chelsea Shubert, stops the traffic for pedestrians to cross the road during her shift as a school crossing patrol, commonly known as lollipop lady, outside a school in Chatham, Britain, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Chelsea Shubert, awaits for pedestrians to cross the road during her shift as a school crossing patrol, commonly known as lollipop lady, outside a school in Chatham, Britain, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Cuts to personal independence payments, granted to those who struggle with mobility and everyday tasks, will account for the bulk of the savings
Chelsea Shubert, poses for a portrait on her uniform as a school crossing patrol, commonly known as lollipop lady, in Chatham, Britain, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Overview

  • Labour MPs and ministers are increasingly critical of planned disability benefit cuts, with some framing it as a 'battle for the soul of the party.'
  • The proposed £6bn savings target includes freezing personal independence payments (PIP) and stricter universal credit requirements, sparking fears of severe impacts on disabled claimants.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves defend the cuts as necessary to address fiscal challenges and rising welfare costs, citing economic contraction and budget shortfalls.
  • Cabinet members, including Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper, have expressed concerns about the broader impact of spending cuts on public services and government priorities.
  • Labour backbenchers report strong-arm tactics from party whips to secure support, but growing unrest suggests potential challenges in maintaining party unity.