Keir Starmer Scrambles as Disabled Brits Demand Answers on Benefit Cuts – ‘We’re Terrified!’”

Labour MP Sarah Owen spoke up during a meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sharing messages she received from people who are scared and upset about the government’s new changes to disability benefits. These changes were announced two weeks ago and could affect people who are sick or disabled.

Sarah said people have been reaching out to her, worried they might lose the financial support they rely on. She read out real messages from people who contacted her. One person said they were extremely stressed and only had £700 to survive on this month. Another said the possible benefit cuts made them feel panicked and completely let down. A third person said the whole situation was making them feel physically sick and begged her to speak up on their behalf.

She told the Prime Minister that these stories show how much fear and stress the reforms are causing. Another Labour MP, Debbie Abrahams, also challenged the Prime Minister. She asked how he would make sure these changes don’t make people even poorer, especially since government reports suggest that 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, could be pushed into poverty. A separate report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation warned that up to 400,000 people could fall into poverty because of the cuts.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said the government will still help people who truly need support. But he also criticized how experts, like the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), had looked at the changes. He said the OBR didn’t consider that some people might be able to work if they received the right kind of help. He believes the reforms could make a positive difference by encouraging some people to get back into work.

Keir Starmer also said one of his biggest goals as Prime Minister is to reduce child poverty, just like the Labour government did in the past. He wants this Labour government to do the same.

Later in the meeting, the Prime Minister was asked about the way some of his ministers talk about benefits. For example, some had compared benefits to “pocket money.” Starmer said he believes language is very important.

He said everyone in the Cabinet understands that, and if someone says the wrong thing, they usually apologize — which is the right thing to do. He explained that in both his legal and political careers, he has always been guided by two values: dignity and respect. He said that “dignity” is the most important word in his dictionary and it shapes how he treats others and makes decisions.

The discussion at the committee was emotional and serious, showing how deeply the new reforms are affecting people’s lives, and raising tough questions about the future of support for sick and disabled people in the UK.