Most of the savings to the welfare bill will be made by restricting access to a key disability benefit – Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – in a move that has caused alarm
Keir Starmer has stood by controversial welfare cuts despite facing the biggest revolt of his premiership so far.
The Prime Minister insisted “we have got to get the reforms through” as he sidestepped questions over whether there would be any concessions on the plans.
It comes as Mr Starmer braces for a massive revolt when Labour MPs are asked to vote on proposals aimed at slashing £5billion from welfare.
Most of the savings will be made by restricting access to a key disability benefit – Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – in a move that has caused alarm among charities and campaigners.
The government’s own internal assessment said the reforms could result in an extra 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, falling into poverty.
READ MORE: Disability cut impact could be even worse than expected warns food bank charity
Legislation implementing the changes is expected to be introduced in the Commons this week – before MPs are asked to vote on the changes.
Well over 100 Labour MPs have called for a delay or suggested they will rebel.
Asked whether he was confident he had the numbers to get the reforms through Parliament, Mr Starmer told reporters: “We’ve got to reform the welfare system.
“Everybody agrees with that proposition. So we’ve got to do that basic reform. It doesn’t work for those that need support and help into work and it doesn’t work for the taxpayer.
“So it’s got to be reformed. The principles remain the same, those who can work should work.
“Those who need support in to work should have that support in to work which I don’t think they are getting at the moment.
“Those who are never going to be able to work should be properly supported and protected. And that includes not being reassessed and reassessed.
“So they are the principles, we need to do reform and we will be getting on with that reform when the bill comes.”
Pressed on whether there would be any more concessions to win over rebellious Labour MPs, Mr Starmer added: “Well we have got to get the reforms through and I have been clear about that from start to finish.
“The system is not working, it’s not working for those that need support, it’s not working for taxpayers.”
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