Faiza Shaheen didn’t hold back on BBC Question Time, tearing into the government’s plan to slash welfare spending.
Shaheen, who nearly unseated Iain Duncan Smith in the 2019 general election, criticised ministers for targeting the most vulnerable. The government is eyeing £6 billion in welfare savings — a move that’s sparked widespread concern.
“There’s always money for war, but not for the poor,” Shaheen said, drawing loud applause from the audience.
A Personal Fight
Shaheen spoke passionately about how welfare cuts have impacted her own family.
“My mum had heart failure in her mid-50s. Did she want heart failure? Absolutely not. But they still came, they still harassed her. It was heartbreaking to watch.”
She condemned the narrative that people on benefits are “cheating the system.”
“It’s insulting. Struggling families aren’t the problem — but they’re always the first target.”
Tax the Rich, Not the Poor
Instead of cutting benefits, Shaheen proposed taxing the wealthiest.
“A 2% tax on those with over £10 million in wealth could raise £24 billion a year. That’s money that could be used to improve services, tackle the climate crisis, and boost defence.”
Her comments come after Keir Starmer announced plans to increase defence spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of national income — funded by cutting the international aid budget.
A Moment for Change
Shaheen argued that now is the time to rethink priorities.
“The richest have got so much richer. They can afford to contribute more — especially when so many are struggling just to get by.”
“There is always money for war, but not for the poor”
Economist and activist Faiza Shaheen says there are “better ideas” to save money instead of cutting the welfare budget, such as taxing the “ultra rich” #bbcqtpic.twitter.com/xdEZAFRNPg
