Stride Challenges Rayner in PMQs as Tax Debates Heat Up
During his first Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session, Simon Stride, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, initiated a series of exchanges with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, addressing key issues surrounding welfare policies and taxation in the UK. Stride’s sharp remarks aimed to highlight divisions within the Labour Party, particularly regarding Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ tax strategy, reports 24brussels.
Rayner, a prominent voice in Labour’s soft-left faction, defended the party’s stance on welfare, asserting, “We won’t walk away and stand by and abandon those in the welfare system.” Despite her position, she avoided direct criticism of her more rebellious colleagues, reflected in Stride’s jibes suggesting discontent within Labour ranks.
In a rapid exchange, Stride focused on the upcoming welfare bill vote scheduled for next Tuesday, which Rayner confirmed. This confirmation has raised questions regarding the implications of potential delays or changes to the agenda as Labor faces internal pressures.
With potential rebel support, Conservative leaders have expressed their willingness to help secure the passage of the welfare bill. Stride outlined three conditions set by the Tories for their support: increased welfare cuts, higher employment rates, and no tax hikes, probing whether Labour could satisfy them.
Rayner sidestepped Stride’s inquiries about these demands, opting instead to criticize the Conservatives for their handling of the welfare system. She accused them of not showing “any shame” regarding the increased welfare costs during their time in office.
Raising eyebrows during the session, Stride referenced Reeves’ prior commitment to not raise taxes in the upcoming autumn budget. Rayner’s reluctance to reaffirm that promise allowed Stride to claim that “Britain’s businesses have today been put on notice” about potential tax increases, signaling a shift in the economic landscape as the government navigates its policies.
