Labour Faces Internal Rift Over Proposed Disability Benefit Reforms

Backbench MPs and campaigners raise concerns over plans to freeze PIP and tighten eligibility criteria as Labour seeks to reduce welfare spending.

Labour's proposed reforms to disability benefits, including freezing Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and tightening eligibility criteria, have drawn criticism from backbench MPs and campaigners.
The government aims to save up to £6 billion on welfare spending, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall expected to announce details next week.
A new 'right to try guarantee' is being proposed to allow benefit recipients to attempt returning to work without risking the loss of entitlements.
The number of PIP recipients has surged, with an average of 1,154 new awards daily, driving annual spending forecasts to reach £21.8 billion in 2024/25.
Critics, including mental health advocates and some Labour MPs, warn the reforms could harm vulnerable individuals, while Labour leadership insists reforms are necessary to sustain the welfare system and support work participation.