Kemi Badenoch argues that Britain’s welfare system should provide temporary support for people in genuine need, rather than become a long-term alternative to employment. She says Conservative proposals would encourage claimants who can work to return to jobs, while protecting those unable to work because of serious illness or disability.

Under the proposals, eligible jobless claimants would receive full benefits for six months, after which payments could be reduced by 30 per cent unless they had built up sufficient contributions. A restricted “Back To Work” card would limit spending on alcohol, cigarettes, cash withdrawals and betting. Badenoch cites nearly 1.2 million people classed as “searching for work” who have claimed Universal Credit for over six months, including about 295,000 for more than five years.