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The National
2 hours ago
- Health
- The National
Angela Rayner called out over 'tone deaf' tweet on social media
Angela Rayner has been called out for using an 'appalling' hashtag used alongside a post on social media where she announced that the UK Government has pledged more support for those diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Labour MP said in the post that no one battling terminal illness 'should have to face extra stress and worry over their job security'. She added: 'It's vital that employees with a terminal diagnosis are treated sensitively and with the best support – that's why I'm so proud we are backing this charter'. READ MORE: Scottish manufacturing firm announces 90 jobs face redundancy Rayner concluded the tweet with the hashtag 'DyingToWork'. No one battling terminal illness should have to face extra stress and worry over their job security. It's vital that employees with a terminal diagnosis are treated sensitively and with the best support – that's why I'm so proud we are backing this charter.#DyingToWork — Angela Rayner (@AngelaRayner) June 27, 2025 Since she posted the tweet on Friday, thousands of people have flooded the comments section to highlight how the post is 'tone deaf' and 'disgusting' with the use of the hashtag. However, Dying to Work is the campaign name of the movement, which aims to raise awareness of the important steps they can take to provide employees with dignity and peace of mind as they navigate a terminal diagnosis while still in work. The picture and post by Rayner is in reference to her signing the Dying to Work Charter, but has been accused of lacking clear context and that it is still in 'bad taste' with the UK Government set to announce cuts to the welfare system next week. SNP councillor Lauren Oxley first retweeted Rayner's post along with the comment: 'Whoever gave that hashtag the thumbs up needs fired, abhorrent.' However, once more context was provided by commenters to Oxley, she added that despite the hashtag making more sense it was still 'out of touch'. She wrote: 'This makes more sense, but it still feels very out of touch to post just days before her government are set to impose some of the most severe cuts to disability and sickness-related payments in over a decade.' In response to Rayner's post another person wrote: 'It would have been prudent to include more details about the charter you are supporting because otherwise, that hashtag seems very misjudged in the current climate.' While another person replied 'There is no world in which that was a good choice of hashtag.' Rayner's post comes after the UK Government said it would U-turn on some of its plans for its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, which the initial proposal would cut back disability benefit payments by around £5 billion per year. The UK Government was forced into a partial U-turn on its welfare reform bill after more than 120 party MPs threatened to rebel against the government in a vote next week. As part of the concessions, people who currently receive Personal Independence Payments (Pip), or the health element of Universal Credit, will continue to do so. But planned cuts to these payments will still hit future claimants, with the fresh package of measures now being branded as a 'two-tier system' that will see the 'young treated worse than the old'. The new plan still keeps in place proposals to change the eligibility criteria for PIP for future claimants.
STV News
a day ago
- Business
- STV News
Starmer's welfare U-turn doesn't go far enough, warns Scottish charity
Scotland's leading advice charity has said Keir Starmer's welfare U-turn 'doesn't go anywhere near far enough'. The UK Government confirmed on Friday that it will make major concessions to backbench Labour rebels over planned benefit reforms. The UK Government's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill originally wanted to cut Universal Credit health top-ups for new claims from April 2026, and scrap the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). The reforms also vowed to review Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments and 'focus PIP on those with higher needs', while consulting on plans to delay access to the health top-up in Universal Credit until someone is aged 22. The cuts to Universal Credit would have directly impacted benefit claimants in Scotland, while the other changes would have impacted the amount of money coming to Social Security Scotland for devolved benefits, like Adult Disability Payments, which replaced PIP for Scots. The Scottish Government would have been responsible for making decisions about welfare and disability benefits based on its budget. The welfare reforms sparked a major rebellion among Labour MPs at Westminster. Ahead of a crucial vote on Tuesday, 126 backbenchers signed their names to an amendment to halt the welfare reform legislation in its tracks. Among the rebels are nine Scottish Labour MPs. The rebellion is large enough to wipe out Labour's working majority in Parliament, and threatens the Prime Minister with defeat when the reforms are put to a vote. Keir Starmer originally doubled down and vowed to press ahead with his Government's proposed welfare changes, but on Friday, the work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall confirmed that the Government was U-turning on some of their reforms to appease the more than 120 rebels. Under the concessions, Kendall said PIP claimants will continue to receive the benefits they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of universal credit. She said the planned benefit cuts will only hit future claimants. However, Citizens Advice Scotland has said the concessions are 'nowhere near enough'. 'Creating a two-tier system is highly problematic. It seems the UK Government's message is: you're ok if you are disabled today, but good luck if you become disabled tomorrow,' spokesperson Emma Jackson said. The charity said it also appears that none of the issues that the reforms pose for people in Scotland have been addressed – for example, guaranteeing the passporting capacity of the adult disability payment. Without that guarantee, Ms Jackson said 'huge uncertainty exists'. 'Social security is an investment in all of us that should act as both a safety net and springboard; enabling people to realise their potential and providing support during the challenges of life that any of us could experience,' Ms Jackson said. 'These reforms will rip gaping holes into the system that so many depend on. In a just and compassionate society, we cannot allow this to happen. 'We urge the UK Government to halt these reforms altogether and engage with meaningful consultation and co-design with disabled people.' A spokesperson for Number 10 said: 'We have listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the system. 'This package will preserve the social security system for those who need it by putting it on a sustainable footing, provide dignity for those unable to work, supports those who can and reduce anxiety for those currently in the system. 'Our reforms are underpinned by Labour values and our determination to deliver the change the country voted for last year.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Metro
a day ago
- Business
- Metro
What benefit cuts has Sir Keir Starmer backtracked on?
Sir Keir Starmer will mark his first year in government in eight days. But one of the Prime Minister's largest – and most controversial – policy plans is in tatters. Sir Keir hoped to save money and incentivise work by passing a bill making deep cuts to welfare, such as restricting who can access Personal Independence Payments (Pip). Disability and anti-poverty campaigners told Metro the plans would push more sick and disabled people into poverty, while 120 rebel Labour MPs have refused to vote for it. Yet the PM has been forced to do a humiliating U-turn after meeting with key rebels last night. The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would tighten who can receive Pip, which is designed to support disabled people, whether or not they are in work. Pip is a two-part benefit – a sickness-related daily living component of at least £73.90 a week and a mobility component of at least £29.20. The former helps people who struggle to do tasks like cooking meals, using the toilet or washing and bathing. The Government wanted to limit who can access the daily living payment by increasing the eligibility requirements from November 26. Universal Credit, a bundle of various benefits, would also have been restricted under the plans. Claimants who have limited capacity to work because of a disability or long-term condition can get an extra top-up worth £423.27. The proposals would have restricted eligibility to those aged 22 and over. All in all, the measures would have seen 1,200,000 disabled people lose up to £6,300 by 2030. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall told rebel MPs that now, Pip and UC claimants will continue receiving what they currently get. Instead, only future claimants will face the higher eligibility requirements. A review into the welfare system involving disabled groups and a package of employment support measures has also been promised, according to The Guardian. A Downing Street spokesperson said: 'We have listened to MPs who support the principle of reform but are worried about the pace of change for those already supported by the system. 'This package will preserve the social security system for those who need it by putting it on a sustainable footing, provide dignity for those unable to work, supports those who can and reduce anxiety for those currently in the system. 'Our reforms are underpinned by Labour values and our determination to deliver the change the country voted for last year.' The rebels, for one, are relieved. One told The Guardian: 'They've offered massive concessions, which should be enough to get the bill over the line at second reading. Another added: 'We always wanted to protect the most vulnerable, not to destroy the bill or cause the government trouble. We always hoped there would be an off-ramp, and that's what we have now.' The selling point of the bill was simple – save £5billion. But the turnaround means that about £3billion will be saved instead, which economists warn won't give Chancellor Rachel Reeves much wiggle room in her Autumn statement. Tax rises or cuts elsewhere, they said, might be needed to plug the gap. Campaigners, however, had mixed feelings about the news. Ayla Ozmen, director of policy and campaigns at anti-poverty charity Z2K told Metro: 'It's right that the government has protected current PIP claimants, but we still have very serious concerns about the plans. 'The risk of trying work for current claimants could become even greater, as if it doesn't work out, people may risk being pushed into deep poverty with no way back. And for future claimants, the system will offer even less protection from poverty.' 'Instead of focusing on fending off a rebellion, the government must do what is right for disabled people and go back to the drawing board.' Charlotte Gill, the head of campaigns and public affairs at the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, however, was ALSO unimpressed. She said: 'Instead of meaningful action, all they're doing is kicking the can down the road and delaying an inevitable disaster. 'Down the line, these cuts will still push more people into poverty and worsen people's health. We urge MPs not to be swayed by these last-ditch attempts to force through a harmful bill with supposed concessions. 'The only way to avoid a catastrophe today and in the future is to stop the cuts altogether by halting the bill in its tracks.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I was punished for not telling my boss about my disability MORE: The secret choice Starmer has already made to save the UK from nuclear war MORE: If Britain went to war I wouldn't hesitate to enlist
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Voters expect a Labour government to reduce poverty not make it worse
Sir Keir's deputy Angela Rayner insisted the vote would go ahead on Wednesday but the government's defiant stance did not stop the numbers of rebels from ticking up. Now the government has confirmed talks are taking place about changing the reform package. Chancellor Rachel Reeves' finely balanced budgeting depends on the £5bn she says will be saved by 2030 through the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. She also wants to prevent daunting projected increases in welfare spending down the line. Read more Rebecca McQuillan But deep concerns about the impact of the cuts on sick and disabled people has led the rebels to table an amendment which, if passed, would halt the bill in its tracks. With days still to go for more MPs to join the insurgency, the government can no longer be sure of winning – hence the dialogue. But even if they could, ignoring such a huge show of concern would be madness. That backbench disquiet would turn to anger and anger would turn into open mutiny. And all for the sake of a bill that, while leaving some claimants better off, would likely push others into poverty, possibly in their hundreds of thousands. Money must be saved, but no Labour government should be taking risks like that with people's lives. The insurgents have the advantage of being highly credible. They are drawn from across the party and feature heavyweight backbench figures including nine committee chairs such as Dame Meg Hillier, the respected head of the Treasury Select Committee, who proposed the amendment, and former Holyrood minister Patricia Ferguson, chair of the Scottish Affairs committee. Twelve Scottish MPs have signed and the amendment has the backing of metropolitan mayors Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham. The rebels don't argue with the government's overall aims – to protect those most in need and help other claimants into work – but they fear the reforms won't have that effect. There's no escaping the reality that the government has to save money. With the rising cost of defence, a cash-hungry NHS, housebuilding and the jaw-dropping deficit caused by Covid and Liz Truss – all set against the backdrop of sluggish growth – any Chancellor would have to get out the paring knife. Chancellor Rachel Reeves wants to cut the benefits bill (Image: PA) And the government is right to be worried about the benefits bill. The number of people claiming health-related benefits with no requirement to work has gone up by 800,000 since 2020. Spending on health-related benefits has gone up £20bn since the pandemic and is set to go up nearly £20bn more by 2029. Some claimants could work, with the right support. There is indeed a moral case for reform – governments shouldn't just leave people languishing in a benefits trap. But voters – and Labour MPs – expect a Labour government to bear down on poverty, not make it worse, and the proposed changes don't pass that test. On the one hand, the government is set to spend much more on schemes to help people into work, end benefit reassessments for the most sick or disabled people and increase the basic level of UC. But it also proposes tightening the criteria for the least disabled people claiming personal independence payments (which does not directly affect Scotland) and cut the health-related element of Universal Credit (UC) for new claimants (which does). The amount of UC new claimants receive because they have limited capacity to work would be reduced by almost half. These claimants, the government hopes, will then find work. The trouble is, changing benefits is a clumsy, inexact approach to changing behaviour. For the policy to be a win-win – making savings for the government while also helping people access a better future – all those who are losing money must be able to find jobs. What if it doesn't work like that? That's what sends a trickle of cold fear down MPs' backs. What if employers don't play ball or work programmes aren't effective? Relatively small reductions in benefits can have a serious impact on struggling families, as The Herald's recent series on child poverty revealed. Read more The Department for Work and Pensions has concluded that the plans would push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children, though it insists many would then find work and no longer be in poverty. According to the Resolution Foundation think tank the reforms could help more than 100,000 people into work but hundreds of thousands would fall into poverty regardless. No wonder so many Labour MPs hate the policy. If defending the winter fuel payment cut was hard for them, then this policy would be a bed of nails. But the fiscal constraints the government faces are real. The government cannot let the benefits bill rise to unsustainable levels or leave people who could work languishing at home. So Labour ministers and MPs are now talking to one another to find a solution. That implies delaying implementation or watering down the reforms. The rebel MPs want further consultation. They want back to work mentoring support to be put in place before cuts are made. They also want to better information on how the changes would affect employment levels among sick and disabled people before backing the plans. It's not what ministers wanted, but if they listen, the outcome will be better, fairer, more defensible reforms that are much more consistent with Labour values. The Prime Minister may well come to thank his bloody-minded backbenchers in the end. Rebecca McQuillan is a journalist specialising in politics and Scottish affairs. She can be found on Bluesky at @ and on X at @BecMcQ
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Starmer seeks to quell revolt to speed through welfare reforms
Downing Street insiders said talks were taking place with Labour MPs about the legislation after 126 of them publicly backed a move to block it. The first vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will take place on Tuesday and a concerted effort has been launched by ministers to win round potential rebels. We want to see reform implemented with Labour values of fairness Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer The Prime Minister told MPs there was 'consensus across the House on the urgent need for reform' of the 'broken' welfare system. 'I know colleagues across the House are eager to start fixing that, and so am I, and that all colleagues want to get this right, and so do I,' he said. 'We want to see reform implemented with Labour values of fairness. 'That conversation will continue in the coming days, so we can begin making change together on Tuesday.' If the legislation clears its first hurdle it will then face a few hours' examination by all MPs – rather than days or weeks in front of a committee tasked with looking at the Bill – with a plan for it to clear the Commons a little over a week later on July 9. Ministers have said they will listen to suggestions to improve the legislation but opposition appears entrenched and the swift timetable for the Bill could add to critics' concerns. Commons Leader Lucy Powell told MPs: 'As the House would expect, the Government actively engages with parliamentary opinion throughout a bill's passage, as we are doing intensively with the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill.' A No 10 source said: 'Delivering fundamental change is not easy, and we all want to get it right, so of course we're talking to colleagues about the Bill and the changes it will bring, we want to start delivering this together on Tuesday.' Overnight six more Labour MPs added their names to the rebel amendment that would halt the legislation in its tracks. The reasoned amendment argues that disabled people have not been properly consulted and further scrutiny of the changes is needed. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces the most serious revolt of his premiership (Ben Stansall/PA) The new signatories include the Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee chairman Toby Perkins, Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell, Newcastle upon Tyne MP Mary Glindon and Tamworth MP Sarah Edwards. North Ayrshire and Arran MP Irene Campbell and Colchester MP Pam Cox, both of whom won their seats in the party's 2024 landslide election victory, have also added their names. The new names take the total number of Labour backbenchers supporting the amendment, tabled by Treasury Select Committee chairwoman Dame Meg Hillier, to 126 out of a total of 162 backers from all parties. The plans restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit. The Government hopes the changes will get more people back into work and save up to £5 billion a year. Existing claimants will be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support, a move seen as a bid to head off opposition by aiming to soften the impact of the changes. But the fact so many Labour MPs are prepared to put their names to the 'reasoned amendment' calling for a change of course shows how entrenched the opposition remains. I don't think you can tinker with this. They need to go back to the drawing board Labour backbencher One backbencher preparing to vote against the Bill told the PA news agency: 'A lot of people have been saying they're upset about this for months. 'To leave it until a few days before the vote, it's not a very good way of running the country. 'It's not very grown-up.' They said that minor concessions would not be enough, warning: 'I don't think you can tinker with this. They need to go back to the drawing board.' The Daily Telegraph reported that potential concessions being considered include a commitment to speed up payment of support to help people back into work and offering assurances that reviews of policies in this area will be published. Meanwhile, The Times reported some MPs opposed to the plans had blamed Sir Keir's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and suggested the time had come for 'regime change' in Downing Street. Asked about attacks on Mr McSweeney, trade minister Douglas Alexander said: 'I'm much less interested in the gossip about SW1 than whether this legislation works on the streets, in the towns, in the communities right across the country.' He told Sky News it was 'for the Prime Minister to make his judgments' about who works in Downing Street but 'the fact is that team delivered us an historic victory only last July, against expectations'. He told ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'If there are practical ways that we can improve this legislation, we should. 'We should do it not to buy off rebels, but because it's a Labour thing to do and that's the conversation that I expect ministers will be engaged in in the coming days.' Analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) think tank indicated overall, 800,000 fewer working-age people are expected to receive a Pip daily living award in 2029–30 as a result of the reforms. The tighter criteria are set to lead to 430,000 new applicants – who would have received an award without reforms – receiving no award, and 370,000 existing claimants losing out following reassessment. Most of the 800,000 losers will receive £3,850 per year less in Pip. The 2.2 million existing claimants of the health element of universal credit who are expected to still be claiming in 2029–30 are estimated to see a £450 real decline in their support in that year because of the freezing of the payment. There are also set to be 700,000 new claimants who will typically receive £2,700 a year less than they would have done under the current system, the IFS said. NEW: Government's benefit reforms could reduce annual spending by around £11 billion in the long run – but still leave health-related benefit bill far above pre-pandemic levels. Read @TomWatersEcon, @LatimerEduin and @matthewoulton's new report: — Institute for Fiscal Studies (@TheIFS) June 26, 2025 It will be well into the 2030s before the reforms are fully rolled out and, in the long-term, the savings could amount to around £11 billion a year, the IFS said. A little over a quarter of the public are supportive of the proposed reforms, according to polling published on Thursday. Of 2,004 people surveyed by More in Common over the weekend, just 27% said they supported the planned changes to the benefits system and half (51%) said they believe the cuts would worsen the health of disabled people. A similar proportion (52%) said the cuts would increase pressure on the NHS while six in 10 said the Government should look at alternative cost-saving measures instead. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the Government should pull the Bill and 'go back to the drawing board' instead of 'cutting vital support from thousands of vulnerable people'.
