Sir Keir Starmer came under fire over benefit cuts as he faced a major grilling from a group of cross-party MPs this afternoon. The Prime Minister was told by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams that the welfare reforms were “so far removed from Labour values” and that she “felt ashamed” during his appearance before the Liaison Committee.
Sir Keir faced a huge rebellion earlier this month over the welfare Bill, which were watered down to avoid a Commons defeat. Ms Abrahams, the Work and Pensions Committee chairwoman, asked him what he would like to say to the disabled people who experienced “fear and anxiety” before the Government made concessions.
The PM said: “Well, it’s very important that they feel secure and supported, and that is at the heart of what we are doing in the changes we are making to welfare and related areas.”
Ms Abrahams added: “This was poor legislation, it was designed to save money for the Treasury by cutting support for sick and disabled people.
“It was so far removed from Labour values of fairness and social justice, let alone compassion and common decency. I have to say I felt ashamed.
“So what are the values that will underpin the Government in terms of the policy making going forward so we avoid the harms that disabled and vulnerable people are going to face?”
Sir Keir replied: “I think this is a really important Labour value. I think the fact that nearly one million young people are out of work, not earning or learning, is a huge challenge to our country and none of us should be accepting of a system that operates like that. It is broken, it needs to be mended.”
It is Sir Keir’s third appearance before the committee, which is made up of cross-party senior MPs, since entering 10 Downing Street just over a year ago.
The session comes after he last week attempted to assert his authority over his party following the revolt over his benefits overhaul.
He suspended four MPs who voted against the plans – Rachael Maskell, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff.
It is understood that those who have been suspended have had the whip removed due to repeated infringements when it comes to party discipline.