The Conservative Party has unveiled plans to cut £47bn annually from public spending, including £23bn from welfare, with benefits denied to overseas nationals. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride suggested those affected could return to their home countries.
Under the proposals, benefits would be withheld from all non-UK citizens, including those with indefinite leave to remain, unless they are EU citizens with settled status or claiming pensions. Stride told the BBC that UK citizenship should 'mean something' in the benefits system.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately claimed many people use sickness benefits as a 'lifestyle choice', citing TikTok videos advising on claims for anxiety and ADHD. She promised a crackdown on what she described as millions 'sitting on the sofa at home'.
The Tories also plan to save £8bn by cutting 130,000 civil service jobs and £7bn by reducing overseas aid to 0.1% of GDP. Stride argued the welfare budget is 'spiralling out of control' and that fiscal responsibility is needed.
