Eluned Morgan has refused to back the UK Government’s welfare reform plans, telling members of the Senedd that she will “reserve” her position until she fully understands the impact on Wales.
The Welsh Labour leader said she is still waiting for a response from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), weeks after requesting an impact assessment on how the benefits cuts will affect Welsh communities.
Awaiting clarity on welfare reforms
Speaking during a scrutiny committee hearing, Baroness Morgan revealed that she had written to Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, on March 11, demanding a breakdown of the proposed welfare changes.
“I have yet to get a firm understanding of how (the changes) will impact on Wales, and until I’m clear about the impacts, I want to reserve my position,” she told Senedd members.
However, she admitted that she had not yet received a response from Ms Kendall and would be “chasing that today”.
The reforms, confirmed in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring statement, include changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), a disability benefit claimed by around 250,000 people in Wales.
Welfare cuts could push 250,000 into poverty
A DWP assessment found that 3.2 million families across England and Wales could be worse off due to the planned changes, with an estimated 250,000 people at risk of falling into poverty.
Despite these findings, Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, suggested that the Welsh Government had “welcomed” the reforms.
Dispute over Welsh Government’s stance
During the committee hearing, Plaid Cymru’s Llyr Gruffydd challenged Baroness Morgan, pointing out that her cautious approach seemed at odds with Ms Stevens’ earlier remarks.
Initially, the First Minister remained silent, but after further questioning, she clarified:
“My position is that I want to see absolute clarity on what the impact on Wales is.
Until I get a firm view on that, I don’t want to make a judgment.”
She acknowledged the need for reform, stating:
“I don’t think it’s sustainable for us to see the kind of huge increases in the numbers of people who are going on to benefits. This is not a sustainable situation.”
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Conversations with no 10, but no clear answers
Baroness Morgan also revealed that she had spoken to someone in No 10 about the proposed changes and raised concerns on behalf of the Welsh Government.
However, she confirmed that it was not Prime Minister Keir Starmer she had spoken to and admitted that she could not recall the name of the official she dealt with.
“I’ll find out and let the committee know,” she promised.
Growing pressure for a clear stance
With thousands of vulnerable people in Wales facing potential financial hardship, pressure is mounting on the Welsh Government to take a clearer stance.
The lack of response from Westminster, combined with the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the cuts, has left many questioning how Wales will respond to the looming crisis.
For now, Eluned Morgan continues to “reserve” her position, but with growing political scrutiny, she may soon be forced to take a firmer stand.
