First Minister stays silent on UK benefit cuts

Local TV

First Minister Eluned Morgan has refused to comment on the UK Chancellors recent cuts to PIP and other benefits until she understands the full impact it will have on people in Wales.

Transcript

00:00The First Minister has refused to back the UK Government's benefits cuts, saying she'll

00:05reserve her position until she fully understands the impact on Wales.

00:09Eluned Morgan told Senedd members she is still waiting for answers from Westminster, despite

00:14writing to Work and Pensions Secretary weeks ago.

00:17During a scrutiny meeting hearing last week, she said she had not received a response and

00:21would be chasing a reply.

00:23It comes despite promises from both the UK and Welsh Labour governments that they would

00:27work closer together.

00:29Since Labour took power in Westminster, both sides have insisted they want a stronger relationship,

00:34but this latest row over benefits suggests communication is anything but seamless.

00:40Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed major changes to benefits in her Spring Statement this week,

00:44including cuts to the Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, which is claimed by around

00:49250,000 people in Wales.

00:52A Government assessment found the reforms could leave 3.2 million families without across

00:56England and Wales, and potentially push 250,000 people into poverty.

01:02Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd challenged Morgan's position, pointing out that Wales Secretary

01:06Jo Stevens had previously suggested she supported the cuts.

01:10As to clarify, the First Minister initially stayed silent before insisting she was waiting

01:14for absolute clarity before taking a firm stance.

01:18She acknowledged that rising numbers of people claiming benefits was not a sustainable situation,

01:22but said she would need to assess how the Welsh Government could support those affected

01:26before making any decisions.

01:28With no clear answers from Westminster and no firm stance from Cardiff Bay, the relationship

01:33between the two Labour governments is once again being tested, leaving those who rely

01:38on benefits still uncertain about what happens next.

01:41James Beach Watkins, reporting for Local TV in Cardiff.

Category

Transcript

Be the first to comment

Recommended