In a recent exchange in the The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House London, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP found herself in a precarious position, caught in a web of her own misleading statements regarding cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
This not only highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the Labour Governments approach to disability benefits but also raises questions about transparency and accountability within the party.
The Exchange: A Tense Confrontation
During a session with disabled MP Steve Darling, Kendall faced scrutiny over her previous comments suggesting that PIP was a work-related benefit. Darling pointedly reminded her, “You said it in the chamber,” challenging her to reconcile her statements with the reality of the proposed cuts.
In a moment that could only be described as a near slip, Kendall attempted to deny having made such claims, stating, “I have never suggested that.” However, her denial was abruptly interrupted by Darling, who pressed her on the apparent contradiction between her words and the actions taken since her November promise of “genuine engagement” with disabled communities.
Kendall's defence was that her reforms aimed to help those who could work while protecting those who could not. Yet, as Darling pointed out, the proposed cuts would disproportionately affect those who rely on PIP, which is fundamentally designed to support individuals regardless of their employment status. The tension escalated as Darling highlighted the lack of consultation with disabled people regarding these significant changes, a point that Kendall struggled to address convincingly.
The Cuts: A Closer Look
The proposed cuts to PIP, which Kendall had suggested could amount to billions, have been described as the most severe in a decade. The statistics are alarming: the number of PIP claimants has doubled over the last ten years, raising concerns about the sustainability of the benefit. The Work and Pensions Committee has since launched an inquiry into employment support for disabled individuals, emphasising the barriers they face in the job market. This inquiry is particularly timely, given that the deadline for evidence submissions is fast approaching.
Kendall's comments during the Commons session were not isolated incidents. Over a span of just 23 minutes, she made misleading statements about PIP on four separate occasions, intertwining discussions of cuts with narratives about supporting disabled individuals into work. This pattern of communication raises serious concerns about the integrity of the Labour Party's messaging and its commitment to the disabled community.
The Fallout: Implications for Disabled Individuals
The implications of these cuts are profound. An estimated 800,000 disabled individuals could lose an average of £4,500 annually due to the reforms. This financial strain could push many into poverty, exacerbating existing inequalities and undermining the very support systems designed to assist them. As Debbie Abrahams pointed out, disabled people face higher barriers to employment and are more likely to fall out of work, making the proposed cuts not just a financial issue but a matter of social justice.
Moreover, the backlash from within the Labour Party itself cannot be overlooked. A significant number of Labour MPs expressed their discontent with the proposed reforms, fearing that they will drive families into poverty. This internal dissent reflects a broader concern about the party's direction and its ability to uphold its values of equality and support for vulnerable populations.
A Call for Accountability
As the Labour Party navigates this contentious issue, the need for transparency and genuine engagement with disabled communities has never been more critical.
These recent exchanges in Parliament serve as a stark reminder of the importance of holding political leaders accountable for their words and actions. The stakes are high, and the lives of countless sick and disabled people hang in the balance. It is essential that the Labour Government not only listens to the voices of disabled people but also acts decisively to protect their rights and well-being.
The question remains: will they rise to the occasion, through the Timms Review, or will the rhetoric of support continue to ring hollow in the face of policy decisions that threaten to undermine the very fabric of social support?
Source:
Work and Pensions Committee Oral Evidence 16th July 2025
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