Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing fierce criticism over her proposed disability benefit cuts. The backlash is intensifying, even from within her own party.
Her local Labour group in Leeds West and Pudsey has voted against the policy. Members plan to send her a formal letter demanding a change of course.
The decision came during a recent Zoom meeting. All 30 delegates backed the motion without a single abstention. A previous in-person meeting collapsed due to poor attendance, fueling concerns over party morale.
The government wants to tighten rules for Personal Independence Payments. Analysts warn that around 800,000 people may lose their support. At the same time, Universal Credit’s sickness component may face reductions.
Disability benefit cuts spark backlash beyond local circles. Over 100 Labour backbench MPs reportedly signed a letter opposing the reforms. These lawmakers believe they have been excluded from the decision-making process.
One MP said leaders have avoided real engagement. “We struggle to get meetings,” they explained. “We’re treated like an inconvenience,” added another.
Frustration deepened when 42 MPs went public with a joint letter. They urged party leaders to drop the plans. Yet Downing Street has not issued a response, which many see as dismissive.
Newly elected MPs feel particularly abandoned. They are defending policies they never endorsed. “If it doesn’t come from the top, it doesn’t matter,” said one member. Others accused the leadership of tightening its grip on power.
Despite criticism, Reeves remains committed to the cuts. She argues the welfare system is broken and must be fixed. Treasury officials believe the changes could save £5 billion annually by 2030.
Still, disability benefit cuts spark backlash from advocacy groups and charities. They fear these reforms could worsen poverty and health outcomes for disabled individuals.
The situation places Labour in a difficult spot. It must balance financial discipline with protecting vulnerable citizens. With local branches and national figures rebelling, pressure is rising.
Labour now faces a clear choice. It must either stand by Reeves’ plan or shift course to calm dissent.
Disability benefit cuts spark backlash across all levels of the party. The coming weeks will reveal whether compromise is possible—or if deeper fractures will emerge.
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