By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2025-03-13 08:04:04 | Updated at 2025-03-13 12:18:29
4 hours ago
Sir Keir Starmer is facing outrage from Labour MPs over his controversial decision to cut billions from the rising welfare bill.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister said the Government could not “shrug our shoulders and look away” over reforms being considered for the welfare system. The overall bill is projected to reach £70billion by 2023.
The plans will see the basic rate of Universal Credit (UC) raised to try to incentivise people to stay in the work-search group.
However, the highest level of UC, for the most disabled or ill who have been judged unable to work, will go down.
Now, dozens of Labour MPs have reportedly urged the government to think again over the cuts.
One anonymous MP told The Guardian: "We’re in government and I feel utterly useless. They [No 10] will understand our frustrations, though largely private, when we get a chance to vote."
MPs have compared Rachel Reeves to George Osborne, with some suggesting she could go further than the former Tory Chancellor who cut benefits.
The PM told the Commons during PMQs: "I come from a family that dealt with a disability through my mother and brother over many years, so I do understand the concerns that have been raised by him, but we inherited a system which is broken, it is indefensible, economically and morally, and we must and we will reform it.
"We will have clear principles, we will protect those who need protecting. We will also support those who can work, back to work, but Labour is the party of work, we’re also the party of equality and fairness."
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Lib Dems call for 'polluters to pay' after North Sea ship collision
Sir Ed Davey has called for 'polluters to pay'
PA
Sir Ed Davey has demanded for “the polluters to pay” for any clean up of the North Sea following this week’s ship collision.
In a joint statement withHull Council Leader Mike Ross, the Liberal Democrat leader said: "It is vital that it is the polluters who pay for any clean up of the North Sea and our precious coastline.
"The agencies involved have done an absolutely amazing job. They shouldn’t be left to foot the bill from already overstretched budgets, and nor should ordinary taxpayers.
"The people of East Yorkshire deserve to know that the Government is doing everything in its power to protect our coastlines, our wildlife and our communities."
Starmer pledges to 'slash red tape' in plans to cope with 'era of instability'
The Prime Minister has promised to slash the cost of red tape as he sets out his plan to reshape the state to cope with an “era of instability”.
In what Downing Street has described as an “intervention” on Thursday, the Prime Minister is expected to argue that global uncertainty means the Government must “go further and faster in reshaping the state to make it work for working people”.
As well as vowing to cut the cost of regulation for businesses by 25 per cent, Sir Keir will use his remarks to say he will refocus the state on his key missions and create “an active government that takes care of the big questions, so people can get on with their lives”.
He will say: “The need for greater urgency now could not be any clearer. We must move further and faster on security and renewal. Every pound spent, every regulation, every decision must deliver for working people.”
Starmer will also take aim at a “cottage industry of checkers and blockers slowing down delivery for working people”, continuing his criticism of regulation in the UK.
