‘What was the point’ of ending Tory rule, Starmer asked as MPs question morality of welfare reforms

Keir Starmer has been challenged over the morality of the government’s proposed welfare reforms and cuts, with veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott accusing ministers of balancing “the country’s books on the backs of the most vulnerable.”

At prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, Starmer insisted that the current system was “morally and economically indefensible”.

The comment came after SDLP MP Colum Eastwood asked the PM “what was the point” of ending Conservative rule if the government is going to act in such a way.

Eastwood said: “A lady came to see me recently who needed help. She had a disability [that] meant that her children have to help her cut up our food. They have to help her wash beneath the waist. They have to supervise her as she goes to the toilet on the tour.

“Under the Tory welfare system, we were able to get that lady on PIP. Under the prime minister’s new proposed system, she will get zero nothing.”

Later on in the session, Diane Abbott joined the criticism of the government, telling Starmer there was “nothing moral” about the plan.

She said: “This is not about morality. This is about the Treasury’s wish to balance the country’s books on the back of the most vulnerable and poor people in this society.”

The prime minister responded: “I think one-in-eight young people not in employment, training or education, that’s a million young people. I think that’s a moral issue.

“Because all the evidence suggests that someone in that situation, at that stage of their life is going to find it incredibly difficult ever to get out of that level of dependency.”

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