Keir Starmer has been accused of promoting the “benefit scrounger myth” following his pledge to “get a grip” on welfare spending. His commitment to impose tougher measures, including sanctions for claimants who refuse to look for work, has sparked criticism.
The government plans a new clampdown targeting those who don’t seek employment. Prime Minister Starmer argued that the welfare system is “blighting our society” and vowed to tackle those who “game the system.”
Labour’s stance on welfare spending
Starmer’s pledge to control welfare costs includes a promise to stick to the Conservative plan of slashing £3 billion from the benefits system over five years. New projections show that by 2029, over four million people could be claiming long-term sickness support, up from just over three million last year.
The PM is determined to bring in “sweeping changes.” He emphasised, “We will get to grips with the bulging benefits bill. And make no mistake, we will crack down hard on anyone who tries to exploit the system and tackle fraud so we can take cash directly from fraudsters’ accounts.”
Diane Abbott criticises Starmer’s approach
In response to Starmer’s comments in the Mail on Sunday, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott expressed her disappointment. “It’s sad that Starmer is peddling the benefit scrounger mythology,” she said. Abbott’s remarks reflect concerns that the Labour leader’s stance could alienate parts of the party base.
New sanctions and reforms
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall outlined the new sanctions. Claimants who repeatedly refuse to engage in work or training will face benefit cuts. Kendall stressed that people have a “responsibility” to take part in skills or employment programmes.
However, she also pointed out that millions of disabled people and those with long-term health issues want to work. “We need to break down the barriers to make that happen,” Kendall said.
The previous government proposed tighter rules to push 400,000 long-term claimants to prepare for work by 2028-29. When asked if these individuals would have their benefits removed, Kendall did not provide specifics but assured that Labour’s reforms would offer more opportunities for disabled individuals to work. “Disabled people should have the same chances and rights to work as everyone else,” she added.
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