Kendall stands firm on plans to cut welfare amid backlash

LIZ Kendall has insisted she will press ahead with measures to cut the welfare bill amid Labour pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to change course over the squeeze on benefits and pensioners’ winter fuel payments.

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The Work and Pensions Secretary said she will listen to concerns about her plans to save around £5 billion a year but that the system needs to change.

The plans, including tightening eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) benefit, have faced stiff resistance within Labour.

About 100 Labour MPs are reported to have signed a letter urging ministers to scale back welfare cuts under consideration, while charities have warned about the impact the measures will have.