Government whip quits over Starmer's welfare cuts

Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has quit her job as a government whip in opposition to the government's plans to cut disability benefits.

She wrote in a letter to the prime minister that she could not vote "for reforms which include cuts to disabled people's finances".

The former shadow minister for disabled people becomes the first MP to quit a government job over the controversial welfare reform plans that have seen over 100 Labour MPs publicly express concern over the proposals.

A government spokesperson defended the reforms as "principled" and insisted they will protect the vulnerable.

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The MP for Lewisham North wrote that the benefits system is in "desperate need of reform", but argued this is not the way to do it.

She said: "I absolutely understand the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill in these difficult economic times, but I have always believed this could and should be done by supporting more disabled people into work.

"I do not believe that cuts to personal independence payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit should be part of the solution."

Ms Foxcroft said she has "wrestled" with the decision over whether to resign, but said: "Sadly it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see.

"I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip - or indeed vote - for reforms which include cuts to disabled people's finances."

She has received public support from a number of fellow Labour MPs, who praised her "principled" stand on this issue.

'Moral case for change'

The government published its bill earlier this week to tighten the eligibility for PIP benefits, and also cuts to the sickness-related portion of Universal Credit.

Ministers say these plans will cut £5bn from the welfare budget that is ballooning.

The cost of long-term sickness and disability benefits for working-age people has risen by £20bn since the pandemic and is forecast to hit £70bn over the next five years.

Ministers have said there is also a moral case for change, with one in eight young people not in education, training, or employment - prompting fears of a "wasted generation".

But disability groups say they fear an increase in suicides and mental health conditions.

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The government's own assessment forecast an extra 250,000 people could be pushed into poverty - including 50,000 children. It did not include the impact of people moving into work.

A government spokesperson said: "This Labour government was elected to deliver change. The broken welfare system we inherited is failing the sick and most vulnerable and holding too many young people back. It is fair and responsible to fix it.

"Our principled reforms will ensure those who can work should, that those who want to work are properly supported, and that those with most severe disabilities and health conditions are protected."