**Senior Labour MP Steps Down Over Planned Cuts to Disability Benefits**
A prominent member of Labour’s frontbench, Vicky Foxcroft, has resigned from her government role in the wake of controversial plans to reduce benefits for people with disabilities. The MP for Lewisham North, who has previously campaigned on behalf of disabled people as shadow minister, publicly announced her decision to stand down as a government whip over what she sees as unfair cuts in the upcoming welfare reforms.
In a letter to the Prime Minister outlining her reasons for leaving, Ms Foxcroft acknowledged the mounting pressure to rein in the UK’s welfare expenses. However, she stressed that the approach currently being proposed—specifically measures affecting disabled claimants—should not form part of the cost-cutting strategy. She wrote candidly about the internal conflict she faced, debating whether to continue pushing for change from within or to step aside. Ultimately, Ms Foxcroft concluded that the government was unlikely to implement the reforms she had hoped for, leading her to tender her resignation.
Expanding on her decision, Foxcroft stated she could not, in good conscience, fulfil her duties by promoting or supporting legislative changes that would negatively affect disabled individuals’ finances. This move makes her the first Labour frontbencher to step down over the latest benefits proposals, and only the second frontbench departure linked to a policy dispute in recent months—following Anneliese Dodds quitting the development ministry in response to aid budget reductions.
Her resignation was met with support from several Labour colleagues who commended her for acting on personal principle. Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool, described Foxcroft’s actions as a demonstration of “utmost respect,” while Connor Naismith, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, acknowledged the difficulty of such a decision and praised her commitment to her values.
Downing Street released a statement in response, emphasising the party’s election pledge to “deliver meaningful change.” The government’s spokesperson reiterated longstanding concerns that the inherited welfare system was failing vulnerable people and hindering prospects for younger generations. The spokesperson also claimed upcoming reforms would strike a balance between fairness, supporting those able to work, and protecting the most severely disabled.
Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal to overhaul welfare provisions has stirred discontent within Labour ranks. The reforms, which aim to save up to £5 billion annually, include tightening the criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and amending rules surrounding Universal Credit (UC)—notably, restricting sickness benefits to those aged 22 and over. Ministers argue that these changes will encourage more people off long-term benefits and into the workforce.
However, criticism has mounted from campaigners and rebel MPs who maintain that such adjustments are “impossible to support.” PIP offers vital financial help to those with long-term physical or mental health conditions who struggle with daily tasks or mobility. The most recent figures showed a marked increase in PIP recipients in England and Wales, rising to 3.7 million from 2.05 million in 2019, with many young people among the new claimants.
According to an impact assessment released alongside the draft legislation, approximately 800,000 people stand to lose their entitlement to PIP under the planned changes. The same analysis predicted that by 2029/30, around 250,000 more people—including 50,000 children—could be pushed into relative poverty due to these reforms, although ministers counter that an additional £1 billion in support for employment may mitigate some negative effects.
Adjustments to Universal Credit are also set to impact millions. An estimated 2.25 million current recipients of its health-related component could experience an annual loss of around £500 per household. Meanwhile, government projections suggest that 3.9 million households not in receipt of the health element could see gains averaging £265 a year, thanks to an uprating of the general UC allowance.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall described the new legislation as ushering in an era of “compassion, opportunity and dignity.” Despite these reassurances, numerous backbench MPs, including Neil Duncan-Jordan of Poole, have urged the government to pause or reconsider, warning that the changes are being rushed through without adequate scrutiny of their long-term social consequences.
As the debate continues to split opinion within Parliament and beyond, disabled campaigners and welfare advocacy groups have voiced alarm over what they see as an erosion of vital support, while ministers remain adamant that reform is necessary to ensure the welfare system is sustainable for future generations. The next few weeks are likely to prove critical as Labour faces mounting pressure both from inside its ranks and across the wider public.