- Louise Haigh is participating in her first deputy PMQs, representing the Burnham government against Alex Burghart.
- Alex Burghart questioned the government's spending on working age welfare, citing a staggering £183bn bill, the highest ever recorded.
- Haigh criticized the Tories for voting against the recent Budget, which included measures aimed at reducing welfare spending.
- Burghart pressed Haigh on whether the government would commit to reducing the welfare bill during this parliament, but she did not provide a clear answer.
- The recent autumn Budget has been criticized by Kemi Badenoch for being 'piecemeal' and lacking sufficient measures to cut welfare spending.
- Andy Burnham has expressed a desire to cut the welfare bill 'as soon as we possibly can', although he has not guaranteed this will happen before the next general election.
In her inaugural deputy PMQs, Louise Haigh confronted Alex Burghart over the government's welfare spending, which has reached a staggering £183 billion, the highest in history. Burghart criticized Labour's plans, questioning their commitment to reducing the welfare bill, which he noted is now higher than during the Covid pandemic and exceeds spending on defense, schools, and policing combined.12345
Haigh defended the government's position, asserting that they are committed to lowering welfare costs, despite ongoing confusion about the timeline for these reductions. She pointed out that the Tories had voted against key budget measures aimed at alleviating financial burdens on households, including a council tax cut for 20 million households and tax relief for small businesses.
Burghart's remarks highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "That’s the highest figure ever. It is nearly £10,000 for every working household in this country." Haigh countered by emphasizing the government's efforts to manage welfare spending, referencing changes to Universal Credit and other welfare policies.
As the first secretary of state, Haigh's performance at PMQs marks a significant moment in her political career, following her previous resignation as transport secretary due to a fraud conviction. Her role in the cabinet office is seen as pivotal in shaping Labour's response to the current economic challenges.
“Burghart claims the £183bn welfare bill is higher than during Covid and exceeds defense, schools, and policing combined. Haigh counters that Tory welfare spending rose by £88bn, and she criticizes them for voting against a council tax cut for 20 million households.”
The Guardian
