Starmer u-turn creates two-tier welfare system that will “hurt disabled people”
The UK Labour Government's u-turn on their assault of disabled people has been reportedly watered down following a rebellion of Labour MPs but will still “hurt disabled people” across the UK says Green MSP, Maggie Chapman.
A number of Scottish Labour MPs including Michael Shanks have backed Keir Starmer's plans to cut Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and health based Universal Credit for disabled claimants.
The alleged deal between Keir Starmer and a number of MPs who rebelled will see people currently receiving PIP and UC, continue under the current rules, with all new claimants facing harsh eligibility assessments which will see people go without the crucial support they need.
Reacting to the climbdown from Starmer, Scottish Greens MSP, Maggie Chapman said:
“This decision is good news but only for some people. It is testament to the hard work and determination of disabled people and other activists who have been fighting to stop these brutal cuts.
“Starmer might have done a partial u-turn but, he’s instead of creating a fair welfare system for all he's created a two-tier benefits system. New claimants will still be subjected to the new, harsher assessment regime, and will not receive the benefits they need and deserve.
“It's astonishing that a Labour government would ever even contemplate such cruel and inhuman cuts at all. However we've seen over the past 11 months of Starmer in number 10 that he's nothing more than a Tory in Labour clothing.
“We must keep up the pressure to ensure that new claimants get what they need, because these reforms will still hurt thousands of disabled people around the country for generations to come.
“These rebels might have saved Starmer’s skin this time, but Greens will keep fighting against these dangerous austerity measures from Labour and make the case for Scotland to build a fair social security system that treats everyone with dignity and respect.”