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Report
First Minister stays silent on UK benefit cuts
Local TV
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31/03/2025
First Minister Eluned Morgan has refused to comment on the UK Chancellors recent cuts to PIP and other benefits until she understands the full impact it will have on people in Wales.
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00:00
The First Minister has refused to back the UK Government's benefits cuts, saying she'll
00:05
reserve her position until she fully understands the impact on Wales.
00:09
Eluned Morgan told Senedd members she is still waiting for answers from Westminster, despite
00:14
writing to Work and Pensions Secretary weeks ago.
00:17
During a scrutiny meeting hearing last week, she said she had not received a response and
00:21
would be chasing a reply.
00:23
It comes despite promises from both the UK and Welsh Labour governments that they would
00:27
work closer together.
00:29
Since Labour took power in Westminster, both sides have insisted they want a stronger relationship,
00:34
but this latest row over benefits suggests communication is anything but seamless.
00:40
Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed major changes to benefits in her Spring Statement this week,
00:44
including cuts to the Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, which is claimed by around
00:49
250,000 people in Wales.
00:52
A Government assessment found the reforms could leave 3.2 million families without across
00:56
England and Wales, and potentially push 250,000 people into poverty.
01:02
Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd challenged Morgan's position, pointing out that Wales Secretary
01:06
Jo Stevens had previously suggested she supported the cuts.
01:10
As to clarify, the First Minister initially stayed silent before insisting she was waiting
01:14
for absolute clarity before taking a firm stance.
01:18
She acknowledged that rising numbers of people claiming benefits was not a sustainable situation,
01:22
but said she would need to assess how the Welsh Government could support those affected
01:26
before making any decisions.
01:28
With no clear answers from Westminster and no firm stance from Cardiff Bay, the relationship
01:33
between the two Labour governments is once again being tested, leaving those who rely
01:38
on benefits still uncertain about what happens next.
01:41
James Beach Watkins, reporting for Local TV in Cardiff.
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