In a tense exchange on BBC Breakfast, Labour minister James Murray faced pointed questions about his party’s approach to the escalating cost of living crisis and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) cuts. Presenter Nina Warhurst challenged Murray on its assault on chronically ill and disabled people, and children.
Labour: under pressure even from the BBC
Warhurst highlighted the stark reality many are currently experiencing under the DWP:
On average, Brits are facing a £600 increase to bills in the next financial year. One in 10 households are living in fuel poverty.
This alarming statistic underscores the gravity of the situation as families grapple with rising costs and diminishing resources.
She hadn’t finished though. Warhurst then went onto say:
The accusation to Labour at the moment is you’re out of touch with how hard it is for the poorest households and you’re afraid to tax the super-rich.
'The accusation is you are out of touch with how hard it is for the poorest households and you are afraid to tax the rich'
James Murray, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, was questioned on #BBCBreakfast about the Chancellor's Spring Statement which included cuts to welfare pic.twitter.com/vkiKD2N8Lk
— Peter Stefanovic (@PeterStefanovi2) March 28, 2025
Despite the growing concerns, Murray maintained a stance that the current DWP welfare system is “broken” and requires urgent reform.
He emphasised that boosting the economy is paramount, claiming it is the most effective way to improve the financial situation of citizens. “We know how hard it is for people across the country,” he insisted, explaining that the government’s top priority is to drive economic growth, which he believes will ultimately increase disposable income for households.
DWP cuts: hitting the poorest
However, scepticism remains about the viability of this strategy, especially since Rachel Reeves recently announced plans to significantly slash the DWP welfare budget by over £6 billion. This decision, according to internal projections from the Labour government, could result in over 250,000 people falling into poverty, including a staggering 50,000 children. Yet even this has been called out as false – with some analysts saying the figure is nearer 400,000.
Experts are questioning the long-term consequences of these cuts, raising red flags about the potential harm that could come from reducing DWP welfare support.
The growing calls from progressive Labour MPs for the Chancellor to implement a 2% wealth tax on individuals with assets exceeding £10 million have yet to gain traction within the government, drawing accusations that the Labour party may be out of touch with the financial struggles facing poorer households.
Unlike many in the political elite, the voices advocating for this wealth tax argue that it is an essential step toward addressing economic disparities and supporting those who are struggling.
Labour isn’t Labour
During the interview, Warhurst did not shy away from confronting the notion that Labour’s DWP approach may appear disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary families. The implications of austerity measures, particularly within the realm of welfare, present a looming threat to countless individuals, including those with disabilities and jobseekers who rely heavily on government assistance.
With rising poverty levels and an increasing number of people experiencing dire financial difficulties, it is essential for the government to contemplate the ramifications of its policy decisions on everyday lives.
The effect of DWP welfare cuts could resonate deeply, impacting not just individual wellbeing but also the broader social fabric of the nation. With resistance to them rising – even on the BBC – it remains unclear how long Labour can maintain this position.
Featured image via screengrab
