Brief
John Healey urges Labour to drop welfare reform opposition
Healey warned there is no money left for a new spending spree and called for a moral case to curb the benefits budget.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Chancellor John Healey appealed to Labour activists at the party's conference in Liverpool on 27 September, saying Britain could not afford another left‑wing spending spree unless economic growth recovers.
Healey argued there is a "moral case" for Labour to bring the benefits budget under control by getting more young people into work, warning that interest charges on the national debt now exceed the combined budgets of the Home Office, defence and justice ministries.
He also urged delegates to applaud any mention of welfare reform, a cue that an aide said demonstrated growing party support. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith criticised the forced applause, calling it proof Labour MPs would never back cuts to the "out‑of‑control" welfare bill.
Key facts
- John Healey told Labour conference activists Britain cannot afford another left‑wing spending spree without economic growth. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Healey said there is a "moral case" for Labour to curb the benefits budget by increasing youth employment. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Interest charges on UK debt now exceed the combined budgets of the Home Office, defence and justice ministries. (dailymail.co.uk)
- Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith said forced applause for welfare reform showed Labour MPs would never support cuts. (dailymail.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] dailymail.co.uk — originally reported as “There's a moral case to tackle welfare bill, John Healey tells Left”
