Labour's Wes Streeting Criticizes Rishi Sunak's Welfare Crackdown

Labour accused of being all talk and no action

Labour has faced criticism for suggesting they will overturn Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's welfare crackdown. Sunak had pledged to address sick note culture in a significant revamp of state benefits.

Backlash against Labour's stance

Labour's shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, has condemned the plan, despite acknowledging in the past that sick notes are given out excessively. Streeting labeled the Conservative approach as irresponsible and accused them of exploiting mental health for political gain.

Tories hit back

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride criticized Labour for not presenting any concrete proposals to reduce the welfare bill, accusing them of choosing to increase spending on benefits without addressing the root issues. Tory MPs Siobhan Baillie and Paul Bristow also criticized Labour for their lack of action in tackling welfare reform.

Government's new measures

This week, the government announced plans to restrict GPs from issuing long-term sick notes and to cut benefits for individuals who refuse work or job offers after 12 months. Streeting countered by highlighting the government's failure to address long waiting lists, contributing to the rise in the welfare bill.