Former shadow chancellor Ed Balls condemned plans to cut disability benefits, asserting that such measures fail to support vulnerable individuals, especially in the context of increased defense spending and cuts to international aid. George Osborne, who previously enacted welfare reforms, shared his resistance to freezing personal independence payments, underscoring the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with fairness. Labour leader Keir Starmer maintains that the party’s agenda does not revert to austerity, although concerns linger among MPs regarding the severity of proposed changes.
Ed Balls criticized proposed cuts to disability benefits on his podcast, arguing that taking away support for the most vulnerable won’t solve fiscal challenges.
He highlighted the contradiction of increasing defense spending while cutting international aid and support for those unable to work as unjust.
George Osborne reflected on his own challenges implementing welfare cuts, noting that general freezes are often more politically palatable than specific reforms.
Keir Starmer reiterated that Labour plans do not signify a return to austerity, despite internal concerns over proposed welfare changes.
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