£100 billion.
Thanks to Labour’s Welfare Bill, that’s how much the government will be spending by 2030 on health and disability benefits.
Because they missed this crucial opportunity to get the bill under control.
£100 billion is more than we’ll spend on our armed forces, and more than we’ll spend on our police.
We voted against this Bill.
But Labour’s actions mean that 1 in every 4 pounds raised in income tax will pay for those on health and disability benefits.
That simply isn’t sustainable. And it will almost guarantee Labour will have to hike taxes this October.
Welfare must always be there for those who truly need it.
It should provide support those who cannot work. And help those who can work find a job.
But the number of people claiming benefits in recent years has risen dramatically. 3,000 people sign on to incapacity benefits every day.
This cannot go on.
Keir Starmer initially seemed minded to tackle this thorny issue. And we said we would support him if his reforms got people back into work, reduced the size of the welfare bill and if Labour committed to not put up taxes.
But rather than govern in the national interest, Keir Starmer caved to his party. Meaning his current Bill won't reduce spending, or get people back into work.
Its taxpayers across the country who’ll pay the price for his welfare weakness.
It’s not just Labour Martin. Reform, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens all support more handouts.
We’re the only party that’s made it clear something needs to change.
Not only to get people back into work. But also to protect taxpayers and unburden future generations from footing the bill for Labour's failures.
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