Andy Burnham challenges Labour MPs to reject welfare reforms
2025-06-30 19:43- Andy Burnham criticized the government's welfare reforms, claiming they would create unfair divisions among disabled people.
- Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced concessions but predicted the reforms would increase poverty levels.
- Burnham urged Labour MPs to reject the reforms to avoid future unfairness among claimants.
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Insights
In the UK, on Monday, June 29, 2025, Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposed welfare reforms at an event during the Glastonbury festival. He criticized the prime minister's plan, arguing that it would introduce unfairness among disabled individuals. Burnham labeled the government’s changes as a 'half U-turn' that fails to adequately address concerns. He urged Labour MPs to vote against the bill when it comes before Parliament, cautioning that supporting the reforms could lead to significant disparities in benefits for different claimants. Meanwhile, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announced several concessions intended to mitigate backlash from Labour backbenchers. These included the assurance that current recipients of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) would not face the new eligibility criteria, though future claimants would receive reduced benefits. Government modelling predicted that these changes would push an additional 150,000 people into poverty by 2030 and would cost taxpayers approximately £2.5 billion, intensifying calls for further amendments to the welfare Bill. Alongside Burnham, other senior Labour figures, such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan, expressed their disapproval of the proposed reforms. Khan criticized the government for not doing enough to protect those dependent on welfare, emphasizing the importance of support for struggling individuals in London. He stated that the watered-down welfare Bill would further endanger vulnerable citizens and weaken existing safety nets. As Labour MPs prepared for a crucial vote on the welfare reforms, a proposed amendment by senior Labour backbencher Dame Meg Hillier received backing from 126 Labour MPs. This considerable support posed a potential challenge to party leader Sir Keir Starmer’s majority. The situation highlighted substantial divisions within the party regarding the approach to welfare reforms, especially against the backdrop of looming poverty-related issues orchestrated by potential policy changes.
Contexts
The UK welfare reforms have significantly impacted disabled individuals, raising substantial concerns about their well-being and access to essential services. Over recent years, these reforms have led to the reassessment of various benefits and support systems, most notably through policies such as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). The transition from Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to PIP has been particularly contentious, as many claimants have reported challenges in receiving support that accurately reflects their needs. The stringent criteria for PIP assessments have resulted in increased rates of claim rejections, leading to financial insecurity for numerous disabled individuals who rely on these benefits for their day-to-day living expenses and overall quality of life. Furthermore, the reform measures have also led to changes in employment-related support, impacting the ability of disabled persons to secure meaningful work. The introduction of mandatory Work Capability Assessments (WCA) has placed additional stress on those seeking work, with many individuals feeling that the system is inadequately accommodating their needs. Critics argue that the punitive nature of these assessments can deter disabled individuals from applying for work due to the fear of losing vital financial support. This creates a paradox whereby the welfare reforms, aimed at encouraging employment, may inadvertently marginalize and isolate those with disabilities instead. Moreover, the welfare reforms have sparked considerable debate around the adequacy of the support provided to disabled individuals in accessing necessary healthcare services. Reports indicate that changes in funding for local authority services, alongside the phasing out of certain benefits, have resulted in reduced assistance for individuals with complex needs. These reductions in service provision adversely affect vulnerable groups, potentially worsening their health outcomes and contributing to increased reliance on informal care. This scenario exacerbates existing inequalities, as the most disadvantaged individuals struggle to navigate a system that is increasingly difficult to access. In summary, the UK welfare reforms have had profound implications for disabled individuals, affecting their financial stability, employment prospects, and access to healthcare. As the government continues to implement and evaluate these changes, it is essential to critically assess their long-term effects on the quality of life for disabled individuals. Ensuring that reforms are inclusive and considerate of the unique challenges faced by disabled persons is vital to fostering a more equitable society. The ongoing discourse around these policies highlights the necessity for continuous advocacy and reform to address the gaps arising from existing welfare provisions.
