Tensions are rising between Keir Starmer's UK Labour and Welsh Labour, particularly in response to pending benefit cuts that will disproportionately affect Wales. With 11% of Welsh working-age individuals on Personal Independent Payment compared to 7% in England, these changes are particularly alarming for a region that predominantly votes Labour. First Minister Eluned Morgan's frustrations with communication regarding these reforms have escalated, as she seeks an impact assessment before taking a definitive stand. This situation demonstrates the challenges for Labour in both Wales and the wider UK political landscape leading into the 2024 general election.
First minister Eluned Morgan told a Senedd committee that she wants to reserve [her] position until an impact assessment on how the changes would impact Wales is carried out. However, the secretary of state for Wales, Jo Stevens, had told the BBC that Morgan had welcomed the reforms.
It also matters to the wider UK because it underscores the direction of political travel for the next half-decade. It also has serious ramifications for the future of the union as we know it.
In Cymru there are 275,000 people receiving Pip. This is 11% of our working-age people, compared with 7% in England. Therefore, this political choice is going to hit the part of the UK that most consistently votes Labour the hardest.
I've got a lot of people trying to put words into my mouth these days, haven't I? I had somebody else last week trying to speak for me. I speak for myself.
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