UK government backs down on disability benefit cuts after rebellion
Summary
The UK government decided not to cut disability and sickness benefits after facing pushback from many MPs, affecting Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. This was the third time in a month that Starmer's government changed its plans, indicating challenges within his party.Key Facts
- The UK government reversed plans to reduce disability and sickness benefits after 126 MPs opposed the changes.
- The proposed changes would have tightened eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment, affecting many with long-term health conditions.
- The government's plan aimed to help people find jobs and save 5 billion pounds yearly.
- Labour MPs were concerned that the changes could reduce income for 3.2 million people by 2030.
- Starmer's administration has altered other policies recently, including keeping a winter heating benefit for pensioners.
- The changes now mean stricter rules will only impact new applicants, not current benefit receivers.
- This issue arose just as Prime Minister Starmer marked the first year of Labour's return to power.
- A recent poll suggested Labour is losing voters to other political parties.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.