The rising benefits bill is leaving a devastating impact on public finances and wreaking a terrible human cost, Keir Starmer stated as he defended the government’s drastic changes to the welfare system.

Writing in the Times, the Prime Minister highlighted the grave reality of the situation, noting that one in eight young people are not engaged in education, employment, or training, while 2.8 million working-age individuals are unemployed due to long-term sickness.

Starmer labeled the situation a “damning indictment of the Conservative record,” drawing parallels to former chancellor George Osborne’s criticism of Margaret Thatcher and accused the current government of following a similar approach.

Defending his government’s measures, despite experts warning they will drive more individuals into poverty, Starmer underscored the severity of these impacts: “Young people barred from the job market at a pivotal age. Individuals with intricate long-term conditions disregarded by a singular assessment. People eager to return to work, yet denied the necessary support.” He branded these widespread issues as indefensible, clashing with the country’s and Labour’s values.

While many Labour MPs acknowledge the unsustainability of the current figures, they are struggling with the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is aimed at assisting those with disabilities or long-term illnesses with additional living costs. There’s also concern over the proposal to delay access to the health element of Universal Credit until individuals reach 22 years old.