What welfare cuts could Labour announce today? From PIP to Universal Credit

Former prime minister Theresa May rebuked new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for claiming that achieving net zero by 2050 was "impossible." Badenoch faced backlash from business leaders and former Tory ministers for her comments, with May asserting that the goal is challenging but feasible, supported by the scientific community and necessary to combat climate change. May emphasized the importance of taking action now to prevent further climate-related risks and costs in the future. Full Article

Labour has announced cuts of £5 billion to welfare spending, with a focus on health and disability benefits, including changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit. Around 900,000 PIP claimants and 2.4 million families on Universal Credit are expected to see reductions in their incomes, with new claimants facing a nearly 50% cut in the UC health element rate from April 2026. The impact on affected individuals will be...

A planned road between Slipe and Middelkerke, including a bridge, is facing opposition from the group "No Job Through Our Polders," who claim political pressure, though N-VA denies it. The vote on the road project is scheduled for next week, with concerns about balancing economic growth and environmental protection. Despite protests and a study showing no traffic problem, the road is likely to be built, prompting the group to consider legal action if approved. Full...

Labour announced cuts to disability benefits, affecting millions of disabled individuals, with a focus on raising the threshold for personal independence payments (PIP) to save £5bn by 2030. The changes, criticized as immoral by charities and Labour MPs, aim to address concerns that the bill for disability benefits will reach £70bn by 2030, impacting 4m claimants. While some welcome measures were noted, including not freezing PIP payments and ending regular assessments for severe disabilities, the...

The UN agency announced severe funding cuts impacting vulnerable migrant communities and staff reductions, affecting over 6,000 employees globally. The measures aim to ensure continued delivery of humanitarian assistance, with a focus on cost-saving strategies, coordination with other humanitarian organizations, and maintaining oversight and accountability. Despite the challenges, IOM remains dedicated to supporting migrants and displaced populations worldwide and urges the international community to prioritize migration governance for global security and sustainable development. Full Article

The Justice secretary has activated Operation Safeguard to house prisoners in police cells due to overcrowding in jails, with only 824 places left in the adult male estate. This emergency measure will free up hundreds of cells but could cost the government millions, with previous activation costing £30.2 million between February and July 2023. The Police Federation of England and Wales has expressed concerns about officers being diverted from core duties and facing additional dangers,...