Labour MP Clive Lewis isn’t holding back. He’s slammed his party’s planned welfare cuts, calling them a direct attack on the most vulnerable.
His frustration comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to unveil even more welfare cuts in her Spring Statement on Wednesday. This follows Keir Starmer’s government announcing a major overhaul of the benefits system, aiming to slash £5bn a year by 2029.
The controversial changes
One of the biggest flashpoints? Labour’s plan to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This benefit supports those with disabilities or long-term illnesses who face extra living costs.
Unsurprisingly, the move has triggered outrage. Disability charities, unions, and even Labour MPs have spoken out against the cuts.
Lewis calls out ‘punching down’ on the vulnerable
Speaking on Newsnight, Lewis let loose. He ripped into Labour’s leadership, criticising their decision to cut support for society’s most vulnerable while sticking to Reeves’ self-imposed fiscal rules.
He went further, warning that austerity is creeping back into the UK under Starmer’s watch. His speech was widely praised on social media, with many calling it an “epic rant.”
A warning from the Commons
Lewis hasn’t just voiced his anger on TV. Last week in Parliament, he directly challenged Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, arguing that the £5bn in welfare cuts would hit “people on the brink” harder than her department realises.
The question now is: will Starmer and Reeves listen?
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