Kemi says Britain about to collapse under the weight of welfare after Chancellor refuses to cut handouts in Budget

Kemi Badenoch accused the Government of leaving Britain at risk from rising welfare costs after Chancellor John Healey declined to cut benefits in the Budget. Labour says it will reduce the bill through reforms, while arguing that the economy faces global pressures and households and businesses need support.

The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts welfare spending will rise by £19 billion, or 5.7 per cent, to £353 billion this year, then reach £431 billion by 2031-32. The Budget sets aside £5.5 billion to increase benefits for 10 million people by 3.5 per cent, and £2.6 billion for energy support, including £100 for around 20 million households. The watchdog lowered its 2027 growth forecast from 1.6 per cent to 1.0 per cent, though it raised its 2026 forecast to 1.2 per cent.