Cliff Notes – Labour not a party of the right
- Labour Minister Luke Pollard dismissed claims that the government is “centre right,” asserting that recent cuts aim to enhance work opportunities and bolster defence funding.
- The government’s welfare reforms could significantly restrict access to disability benefits, potentially affecting approximately one million individuals, prompting dissent among Labour MPs.
- Anticipation grows for Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming spring statement, amid economic challenges and a £9.9bn gap in fiscal headroom leading to expected further spending cuts.
Labour not a party of the right despite big cuts, minister insists
A minister has denied Labour is a “centre right” government following cuts to disability benefits and foreign aid.
Luke Pollard told Sky News Breakfast with Wilfred Frost that welfare reforms announced this week would get more people back to work, while reducing the overseas aid budget would create more money for defence.
It comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves‘ spring statement next week, when further spending cuts are expected in order to balance the books amid poor economic growth.
Asked if Labour is “now the government of the centre right”, defence minister Mr Pollard said: “No I don’t think so, and it’s wrong for me to speculate what might be in the spring statement next week.
“But we’ve been very clear that, by taking the difficult decision to reduce international aid spending, we’re moving that money to defence.
“The changes we are seeking to make to welfare is not to fund defence spending. It’s to help people back into work.”
