Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a whip over the government's plans to cut disability benefits. In a letter to the prime minister, Foxcroft said she understood the need to address "the ever-increasing welfare bill" but said cuts to personal independence payments and universal credit should "not be part of the solution". She said she had "wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the government and fight for changes from within". She added: "Sadly it now seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see." This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via theBBC News App. You can also follow@BBCBreaking on Xto get the latest alerts.
Government whip quits over disability benefit cuts
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft Resigns Over Proposed Cuts to Disability Benefits"
TruthLens AI Summary
Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has made the significant decision to resign from her position as a government whip in response to the government's proposed cuts to disability benefits. In her resignation letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Foxcroft expressed her understanding of the pressing need to manage the increasing welfare expenditure. However, she firmly stated that the proposed reductions to personal independence payments and universal credit should not be considered viable solutions to the financial challenges faced by the government. Her resignation marks a pivotal moment, reflecting the growing discontent among some members of the Labour Party regarding the government's approach to welfare reform and the impact these cuts could have on vulnerable populations.
Foxcroft revealed that she had struggled with the decision to leave her role, contemplating whether to resign or to stay within the government in an attempt to advocate for necessary changes from the inside. Ultimately, she concluded that her efforts would not lead to the desired outcomes, leading to her resignation. The implications of her departure highlight the ongoing tensions within the party and the broader political landscape concerning welfare policies. As this story develops, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the reactions from both government officials and advocacy groups concerned about the potential consequences of these cuts on individuals relying on disability benefits.
TruthLens AI Analysis
You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.
Log In to Generate AnalysisNot a member yet? Register for free.