Liz Kendall unveils UK benefits cuts set to leave many sick and disabled worse off
GuardianMAR 11
UK: Labour Announces $6.5B Welfare Cuts
Above: Department for Work and Pensions on Feb. 19, 2025, in London, UK. Image copyright: Mike Kemp/Contributor/In Pictures via Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Labour’s welfare cuts are misguided and cruel. Forcing those with disabilities into work they cannot manage is inhumane. Rather than targeting the vulnerable, the government should focus on taxing wealth and profits to raise funds. Pitting the poorest against each other while the rich remain untouched is unjust. We must protect those who cannot work, not punish them for circumstances beyond their control.
Right narrative
While the announcements are a welcome first step, the scale of the UK's overreliance on the welfare state means Labour must soon take more drastic action. With millions filing claims, especially for health-related issues, the government must tighten eligibility even further and push even more able-bodied individuals back into work. This is only the beginning — deeper reforms are essential to truly fix the system.