Rachel Reeves says Labour does not want to represent people out of work
'Labour are a party of working people, formed for and by working people'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rachel Reeves has received a fierce backlash after stating that Labour does not want to be seen as the party of the welfare state.
In an interview with the Guardian, the shadow work and pensions secretary laid out plans to slash the number of food banks operating in the UK if Labour comes to power. She said she felt it was a sign of "failed welfare state" that so many people in Britain were using them.
"We are not the party of people on benefits. We don’t want to be seen, and we're not, the party to represent those who are out of work," she said.
"Labour are a party of working people, formed for and by working people."
There was a strong reaction to her comments on social media, with many pointing out that people who are on benefits can be employed.
Shortly after she was appointed, Reeves warned that Labour would be tougher than the Conservatives when it came to cutting the benefits bill.
Labour recently slipped behind the Conservatives in the opinion polls for the first time in three years.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments