DWP chief Liz Kendall warned disability benefit cuts will lead to 'appalling poverty'

Liz Kendall has been told yesterday cuts to disability benefits will lead to "appalling poverty".

The warning came as the Work and Pensions Secretary prepared to defend the controversial measures at a behind-closed-doors meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).

The Mirror understands Ms Kendall told Labour MPs on Monday evening at the private event the changes were needed to ensure the welfare state "survives". Facing rebellious backbenchers, the Cabinet minister also insisted there will "always be a safety net for those who need it".

Ms Kendall is understood to have said: “Our plans are rooted in fairness – for those who need support and for taxpayers. They are about ensuring the welfare state survives, so there is always a safety net for those who need it. They’re about putting proper safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable.

“But above all they are about our belief that everyone can fulfil their potential and live their hopes and dreams when – collectively - we provide them with real opportunities and support. This is the better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country.”

But hours before her address the Labour MP Andy McDonald asked ministers in the Commons to provide further evidence "before MPs are asked to vote on imposing such appalling poverty".

Richard Burgon, another Labour MP, added: "Isn't the simple and sad truth that any MP who votes for this upcoming welfare bill is voting to take PIP from disabled people who need assistance to cut up their food, wash themselves and go to the toilet?"

But the disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms replied: "No. What people will be voting for is reforms to open up opportunities for people who have been denied opportunities for far, far too long. We're putting that right."

Next week MPs are expected to vote on the reforms for the first time. Legislation introduced into Parliament last week includes a tightening of the criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - a key disability benefit.

Around 800,000 people are set to lose out on the benefit under the Government's proposals. The government's own impact assessment said the overall reforms risk pushing 250,000, including 50,000 children into poverty.

With dozens of MPs warning they will abstain or vote against the measures, No10 is bracing for the biggest revolt Keir Starmer's premiership so far. Last week the Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft quit as a government whip over the plans and there is speculation others may resign ahead of the vote.

In her letter to the PM, Ms Foxcroft said she understood "the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill" but did not believe the proposed cuts "should be part of the solution".

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