UK's Benefits System Needs Urgent Fix, Says Sir Keir Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the importance of fixing the UK's benefits system, calling it a 'moral imperative'. This statement came after a Labour revolt led to a government U-turn on welfare cuts. The prime minister assured at the Welsh Labour Party conference that the welfare safety net for vulnerable individuals would be preserved. However, he highlighted the need to prevent benefits from becoming a hindrance for those capable of and willing to work.

Sir Keir addressed the broken benefits system, stating that it fails people daily, particularly impacting young individuals and causing costs to escalate. He stressed the moral obligation to address these issues in a Labour-oriented manner. The government's original plans to reform welfare, aimed at reducing the welfare bill, faced opposition, resulting in adjustments such as stricter criteria applying only to new claimants for personal independence payment (Pip). Additionally, the freeze on the health-related component of universal credit was reversed, and a review of the Pip assessment process will be conducted with the involvement of disability organizations. A £1bn support package to facilitate employment, initially planned for 2029, will be expedited.

Despite these changes, some Labour MPs advocate for further modifications, while the Unite union calls for the proposal to be entirely abandoned. The government's new welfare reform plans are anticipated to face a close vote due to discontent among Labour colleagues.