Latest news with #cuts
The Guardian
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Labour MP resigns as government whip in protest at benefit cuts
The Labour MP, Vicky Foxcroft, has resigned as a government whip in protest at the government's welfare plans, saying she will not be able to vote for the cuts to disability payments. The government is braced for a major rebellion on the welfare bill, which includes significant changes to personal independence payments for disabled people. Foxcroft, the MP for Lewisham North who was shadow disability minister before the election, said she was unable to do her job as a whip because she disagreed with the changes and did not believe that cuts were part of the solution to rising inactivity. In a letter to the prime minister, Foxcroft said that the benefits system was 'in desperate need of reform' but her experience as shadow disability minister had showed her that the struggles of disabled people and organisations were 'even tougher than I had imagined'. She said: 'The last Conservative government left many in poverty and living life in fear of losing their support, not getting access to the right medical care, not having suitable housing and not being able to participate fully in society. The real and ongoing distress was palpable. 'I absolutely understand the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill in these difficult economic times, but I have always believed this could and should be done by supporting more disabled people into work. 'I do not believe that cuts to personal independence payment (Pip) and the health element of universal credit should be part of the solution.' Foxcroft, who is among a number of frontbenchers uncomfortable with the proposed changes, said she had wrestled with whether to fight the changes from within the government. 'Sadly it is now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see. I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people's finances,' she said. 'I am incredibly proud to have served as part of the first Labour government in 14 years and hope that ministers will revisit these reforms so that I can continue to support the government in delivering for the people of this country.'
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Rachel Reeves to unveil Labour's spending plans on Wednesday
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to announce Labour 's spending plans on Wednesday, outlining funding until the next election in 2029, but experts warn nearly £5bn in cuts may be needed by 2028/29 to balance the books. The spending review will allocate billions to projects creating jobs and prosperity, with Reeves emphasising the plans are possible due to the stability she introduced. Analysis suggests unprotected departments like housing, policing, and culture could face real-terms cuts of nearly £5 billion by 2028/29, excluding recent commitments to restore winter fuel payments to pensioners. The Home Office is expected to bear the brunt of spending cuts, potentially impacting police numbers, despite being tasked with delivering key pledges. The Liberal Democrats criticised the potential spending squeeze, while the Tory shadow chancellor warned the spending review would lead to future taxes.
CBS News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Philadelphia protesters urge Sen. McCormick to vote against Medicaid cutting legislation
A rally in Philadelphia Wednesday drew dozens of people to fight against proposed cuts to Medicaid. It's legislation that Republicans say will only go after wasteful spending and fraud. That legislation is now headed for the Senate. Wednesday's message was focused on the Republican senator from Pennsylvania, Dave McCormick, urging him to vote against legislation passed by the House that would cut an estimated $800 billion from Medicaid, which provides health care coverage for low-income Americans. The reductions would come from work requirements and other provisions. "Cutting hundreds of billions from Medicaid will rip health care away from those who can least afford it," said Dr. Walter Tsou from the Philadelphia County Medical Society. Michael Anderson, who has cerebral palsy, depends on Medicaid for disability services and medical care. He's worried about losing what he calls his lifeline. "It would be a disaster for me. I don't know what I would do without the services," Anderson said. President Trump insists Medicaid will largely stay intact. "The only thing we're cutting is waste, fraud and abuse," Mr. Trump said on May 20 ahead of a meeting with House Republicans on Capitol Hill. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, under the proposed legislation, about 7 million people would lose Medicaid coverage. "The so-called savings will be paid for on the back of the most vulnerable among us," said Donna Greco from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Alisha Gillespie is a breast cancer survivor who depends on Medicaid. "Its a major thing for me and my family," Gillespie said. McCormick has said Medicaid spending is "out of control" but that benefits should be preserved for the vulnerable. Dr. Walter Tsou, with the Philadelphia County Medical Society says Medicaid cuts would not only impact patients, but also the health care system overall, as it's the largest payer of hospitals in Philadelphia. It makes up 39% of local hospitals' budgets. We reached out to McCormick's office for reaction to the rally and have not heard back. A vote on the Medicaid legislation is expected this summer.
CNN
28-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
Tapper presses Speaker Johnson about who would lose Medicaid under 'big, beautiful bill'
CNN's Jake Tapper asks Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) about who will lose Medicaid under President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'. Johnson defends the proposed cuts and argues the changes target "waste, fraud and abuse."
CNN
25-05-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Speaker Johnson argues Medicaid cuts will only impact those abusing coverage
CNN's Jake Tapper asks Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) about who will lose Medicaid under President Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'. Johnson defends the proposed cuts and argues the changes target "waste, fraud and abuse."
