Ed Balls didn’t hold back today, putting a Labour minister under pressure over the government’s plan to cut welfare spending.
Tough questions on Good Morning Britain
On ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Balls pressed housing minister Matthew Pennycook on how Labour could justify cutting benefits. Balls, a former Labour cabinet minister under Gordon Brown, didn’t mince his words.
“What Labour principle could possibly justify taking money away from people with terminal cancer or extreme disabilities?”
Pennycook tried to explain Labour’s reasoning — but Balls wasn’t having it.
Labour’s controversial plan
Prime minister Keir Starmer told Labour MPs last night that the government plans to cut working-age health and disability benefits due to rising costs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under pressure to tighten spending as the UK faces growing economic uncertainty. However, the idea of cutting support for vulnerable people hasn’t gone down well — even within Labour.
Dodging the question
Pennycook started to give a broad response about reform, saying:
“Those that need support will receive support. We’ve got to restore trust and confidence in the system. We need to overhaul the flaws and provide those who can and want to work with the support they need.”
But Balls pushed harder:
“Does that mean someone who physically can’t work won’t have their benefits cut?”
Pennycook danced around it:
“I’ve been very clear about the principles behind our thinking on reform. You’ve acknowledged that we need to reform our system.”
Balls wasn’t impressed:
“People can hear you not answering that question. It’s a Labour government — and you can’t tell us if their benefits are going to be cut?”
‘Anxious’ waiting for answers
Pennycook admitted that people on benefits may feel “anxious” about the uncertainty.
“But I’ve been very clear — and I don’t know how much clearer I can be. As you know from your time as a minister, I can’t pre-empt a government announcement.”
The government hasn’t yet confirmed when the changes will be announced or introduced.
The Office for Budget Responsibility will release its latest economic forecasts on 26 March. Meanwhile, the government’s spending review is set for June — and that’s when the real answers might come.
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