Starmer Criticizes UK's 'Unsustainable' Benefits System; Plans £70 Billion Cuts and Defense Spending Boost

March 10, 2025
Starmer Criticizes UK's 'Unsustainable' Benefits System; Plans £70 Billion Cuts and Defense Spending Boost
  • During a recent Labour Party meeting, some MPs raised concerns about the potential impact of cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) on vulnerable families, with one MP sharing a personal story about his daughter who has disabilities.

  • Leading charities, including Scope and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, have urged the government to reconsider these cuts to disability benefits, warning that such actions could have catastrophic effects on disabled individuals and families.

  • The government argues that the current benefits system discourages ill and disabled individuals from seeking employment, claiming that incapacity benefits act as a barrier to accessing support.

  • Starmer emphasized the need to encourage work, stating that the existing benefits system is 'unsustainable and unfair' as it discourages workforce participation.

  • To address these issues, Starmer plans to implement substantial cuts to working-age health and disability benefits, with projections suggesting a reduction of £70 billion by 2030, starting with an immediate £3 billion cut over the next three years.

  • Charities argue that reducing benefits will not enhance employment outcomes and may instead push more disabled households into poverty, which contradicts the government's goal of reducing child poverty.

  • In addition to welfare reform, Starmer has also highlighted the necessity for increased defense spending, linking it to economic opportunities and job creation, following discussions with US President Donald Trump on international security.

  • In light of these discussions, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to publish a green paper on sickness and disability benefit reform ahead of the Chancellor's spring statement.

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized Britain's benefits system, labeling it the 'worst of all worlds' and expressing concern over the significant number of individuals who are out of work or training.

  • While acknowledging the importance of a safety net for those unable to work, the Prime Minister also stressed the need to make work rewarding for those who can participate in the workforce.

Summary based on 1 source


Get a daily email with more UK News stories

More Stories