Foxcroft Steps Down Over Welfare Cuts
Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigned as a government whip over proposed cuts to disability benefits. She cited strong opposition to changes in personal independence payments (Pips) and universal credit. Foxcroft submitted her resignation in a letter addressed to the prime minister on Thursday evening.
She stated she understood the need to address “the ever-increasing welfare bill”. However, she insisted that cuts to Pips and universal credit should “not be part of the solution”. Foxcroft explained she had “wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the government and fight for changes from within”. She concluded, “Sadly it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see”.
Reforms Trigger Internal Labour Tensions
The welfare bill includes new criteria for Pips and cuts to the sickness-related component of universal credit. More than 100 Labour MPs have raised concerns about the changes. The government aims to save £5 billion annually by 2030 through this welfare reform plan.
Impact assessments forecast 370,000 existing claimants across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will lose out. The government expects to save £1.7 billion from this reduction by 2029/30. A further £1.89 billion could be saved from fewer new claimants. The number of people receiving Pips has grown to 3.7 million, up from 2.05 million in 2019.
Nandy Denies Major Rebellion in Party
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy responded on Friday, downplaying talk of widespread dissent. She said, “I’m not. It would be wrong to say that, when you bring forward big reforms there aren’t concerns and there aren’t dissenting voices, of course there are. But Vicky is the only frontbencher that I’ve had a conversation with about resigning.”
Nandy confirmed that only “a handful” of backbench MPs had shared concerns. She said she felt “really confident” that Labour’s package was “absolutely right”. Nandy stressed that the reforms focused on helping people return to work rather than cutting costs immediately.
Claims of Threats to Labour MPs
One unnamed Labour MP claimed MPs who defy the whip may be barred from standing at the next general election. The MP told the BBC, “These threats are just making people more angry. We cannot continue to govern in this manner. Quite frankly, if that’s his [the prime minister’s] view he’s lost the plot and is a bully.”
As whip, Foxcroft would have been expected to ensure MPs supported the government’s position. She said she could not “whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances”. Foxcroft added, “I knew I would not be able to do the job that is required of me.”
Foxcroft Reflects on Disability Experience
Foxcroft represented Lewisham North since May 2015. She formerly served as the shadow disabilities minister. In her resignation, she noted her understanding of disabled people’s struggles deepened through that role. “Life for disabled people was even tougher than I had imagined,” she wrote.
She said she remained “incredibly proud to have served as part of the first Labour government in 14 years”. Foxcroft hoped ministers would reconsider the reforms so she could “continue to support the government in delivering for the people of this country”.
Government Defends Proposed Changes
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall defended the changes during a BBC interview. She said her “door was always open” to concerned colleagues but that ministers were “firm in our convictions”. Kendall stated the current system allowed too many to be “written off” without proper employment support.
The government argues that Pip must be reformed to remain sustainable. Kendall added the transition period for losing payments had been extended from four to 13 weeks. A previous government impact report suggested 250,000 people could fall into poverty from these cuts.
Also Read: Ryanair Boeing 737 Strikes Barrier in Greece After Turbulent London Flight
Support for Foxcroft Among MPs
Several Labour MPs praised Foxcroft’s decision. MP Connor Naismith said she should be “commended for standing by her principles”. Dame Emily Thornberry told the BBC Foxcroft “lives and breathes” the issue. She said she would review the bill herself before deciding how to vote.
Cuts Affect Basic Support Tasks
Under the new rules, even those unable to wash half their body or cook may lose eligibility. The reforms form part of a wider £4.8 billion welfare savings agenda.
Pip is non-means-tested and supports those with long-term disabilities. Recipients may be in or out of work. Critics argue the changes disregard the daily challenges disabled individuals face.
Labour Faces Internal Pressure Ahead of Vote
The bill will face a parliamentary vote in two weeks. With 170 Labour MPs expressing unease, internal pressure remains. However, party leaders remain confident most MPs will support the package.
