Liz Kendall has refused to apologise after misleading MPs about cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
🗣️ The Misleading Claims in the Commons
During Monday’s debate, the Work and Pensions Secretary was asked about £4.5 billion in planned cuts to PIP. Instead of answering directly, Kendall kept talking about Labour’s plans for disability employment.
She repeated her point four times in just 23 minutes, ignoring the real issue: that PIP helps both disabled people in and out of work. Kendall’s deflection left MPs frustrated.
💬 Kendall Deflects on PIP Cuts
Labour’s Imran Hussain raised concerns about 41,000 disabled people in Bradford who are “horrified” by the PIP cuts. Kendall responded, “We want to improve people’s chances by supporting those who can work and protecting those who cannot.”
When asked about the impact of the cuts on public services, she only mentioned how “good work” benefits people’s health. She ignored the direct question about the cuts’ consequences.
💥 Criticism Grows Over the PIP Cuts
Kendall continued to mislead MPs, even after Green MP Sian Berry accused the cuts of being “cruel and wrong.” She said, “Disabled people who are out of work are more likely to want to work.” This ignored the fact that the cuts will push many disabled people into poverty.
Even Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security, avoided directly addressing the impact of the cuts. Instead, he focused on employment support.
🎯 The Government’s PIP Review
Kendall announced a review of the PIP assessment process, but Sir Stephen hinted that it could lead to further cuts. He raised questions about whether the system is targeting the “right people.”
The government’s green paper on PIP proposes big changes, but these could make it harder for disabled people to qualify for support.
💥 A Controversial Plan for Change
The review could also target the rising number of younger disabled people receiving PIP due to mental health and neurodiverse conditions. Despite claims of modernisation, the review has raised concerns that it could make it harder for people to access support.
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