Keir Starmer is digging in his heels over controversial plans to slash disability benefits, brushing off mounting fury from his own MPs. As tempers flare and a crucial July vote looms, the PM refuses to back down on changes to PIP.
The Government’s proposed reforms have sparked panic among millions of PIP claimants, with fears that thousands could end up losing their disability benefits. One of the biggest changes would mean that someone must score at least four points in a single activity area to qualify for the daily living element of PIP, which is currently worth up to £110 a week. That’s a huge shift from how the system currently works, and it’s left people understandably worried, reported Leeds Live.
Pressed on the backlash, Starmer didn’t flinch. He pushed back against the idea of another U-turn, like the one that happened recently with Winter Fuel Payments, and said reform was not only necessary but overdue. “We’ve got to reform the welfare system,” he said. “Everybody agrees with that proposition, so we’ve got to do that basic reform.”
He added, “It doesn’t work for those that need support and help into work, and it doesn’t work for the taxpayer.” For Starmer, the focus seems to be on getting people into employment if they’re able, while still offering protection for those who aren’t. “Those who can work should work. Those who need support at work should have that support at work, which I don’t think they are getting at the moment.”
He also promised that people who are unable to work due to severe or lifelong conditions would be looked after properly. “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.”
To calm the storm brewing within his own party, Department for Work and Pensions ministers have been quietly trying to reassure MPs that the most vulnerable claimants — those with chronic or permanent conditions — won’t be left in the cold.
Even so, the numbers are pretty stark. According to The Guardian, as many as 1.3 million people could see a cut to their current support under the new system. That’s raised serious alarm bells, particularly for those already struggling with the cost of living.
When asked whether the proposals might be softened before being put to a vote, Starmer didn’t budge. “Well, we have got to get the reforms through and I have been clear about that from start to finish,” he said. “The system is not working. It’s not working for those who need support; it’s not working for taxpayers. Everybody agrees it needs reform. We have got to reform it, and that is what we intend to do.”
With tensions running high and uncertainty still hanging over the plans, many will be watching closely to see just how far these changes go and how many people they affect.
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