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Labour disability cuts are at the heart of a growing political row after a high-profile resignation rocked the party’s front bench.
“Let’s imagine every Labour MP voting for PIP cuts had to survive on £10.56 a day — the reality for many disabled people. Would they vote the same way?”
That’s the challenge MPs should face. On June 19, 2025, Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft — formerly Shadow Minister for Disabled People and now government whip — resigned in protest. Not because of scandal. Not due to policy disagreements about spending on migrants. She quit because Labour plans to slash disability support and her conscience wouldn’t let her enforce it.
1. The Resignation That Should Shock Westminster
Foxcroft’s resignation is seismic. She didn’t quietly dissent from the backbenches. She stepped down from the front bench, stating clearly: “I will not be able to… vote for reforms which include cuts to disabled people’s finances.” She’s the first frontbencher to resign over this — and her moral stance speaks volumes.
What’s Actually Being Cut in Labour Disability Cuts
Under the new welfare bill, eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health component of Universal Credit will be tightened:
- Eligibility thresholds for PIP raised, meaning people scoring under 4 points on daily living activities could lose it.
- Risk: Up to 800,000–950,000 disabled people could lose PIP by 2030.
- The plan aims to claw back £5 billion annually.
The DWP claims 90% will still qualify by 2029/30 — but charities like Scope warn the reforms fail to account for invisible disabilities such as MS or mental illness.
3. A Crippling Budget vs. A Billion a Month
Our previous exposé (read it here) revealed that benefits to households with foreign nationals now total nearly £1 billion per month. That’s £12 billion a year, paid by UK taxpayers.
So: Labour is OK with a £1 billion monthly outlay to new arrivals, but wants to withdraw lifeline support from hundreds of thousands of vulnerable disabled people? That’s not austerity. That’s a moral choice.
4. A Day on PIP: £10.56 — Try Living On That
PIP’s daily living component currently pays £73.90 per week at the standard rate — around £10.56 per day.
For those with higher needs, the enhanced rate offers £110.40 per week — about £15.77 per day.
The mobility component is not affected by the proposed reforms — but for many, it’s the daily living allowance that covers essentials like food, electricity, personal care, and help with dressing, washing, and cooking.
“£10 a day — that’s one meal deal and a bus ride. It won’t stretch to heating, care, transport, or peace of mind.”
5. The Forgotten Carers in Labour Disability Cuts
This isn’t just about individuals—it’s about families. Thousands of unpaid carers have already given up jobs, pensions, and futures to care full-time for disabled relatives. Removing PIP will destroy them too.
With no cushion left, many carers face burnout, poverty, or being forced back into underfunded NHS or council systems. These people aren’t lazy or a drain—they are the glue holding society together. If they collapse, everything else follows.
6. Starmer’s Crackdown: Loyalty or Cruelty?
Angela Rayner’s warning earlier this week wasn’t subtle: MPs who rebel risk losing the whip. But now Foxcroft has already walked away — and at least 42 MPs are publicly opposed, with around 100+ worried in private.
Labour faces a rebellion on July 1.
This isn’t internal dissent—it’s a moral glowstick—shining a light on a party choosing political discipline over disabled people’s dignity.
7. Labour at a Crossroads
Labour is a party with roots in social justice. But now:
| Who suffers? | What’s costly? | Where’s the empathy? |
|---|---|---|
| Hundreds of thousands with disabilities—likely living in hardship | A monthly, billion‑pound bill on migrant benefits | Frozen support seems to show political cowardice |
While spending on PIP skyrockets — up to £70 billion/year by 2029/30 — politicians are picking and choosing who deserves support. Foxcroft says the system needs reform — but not through cuts.
What Happens Next?
The vote takes place on July 1st. That gives Labour time to rethink. Or double down. Either way, the message from Foxcroft, from carers, from campaigners is clear: we’re watching. We’re shouting. We won’t be silent.
Call To Arms
Tell us: If MPs had to shoulder the brunt of living on PIP, would these cuts stand? Should the UK really keep paying migrant benefits openly — while profiting from disabled poverty?
Drop your thoughts below. If Labour is abandoning its disabled constituents, we’ll be here to cover every twist.
We want to hear your what you have to say