‘Weak, incompetent, divided’ — Corbyn attacks Tory government over Universal Credit

Labour leader Jeremy CorbynParliamentlive.uk

• Jeremy Corbyn repeated his plea to Theresa May to delay the rollout of universal credit.
• He said the government is incapable of managing Universal Credit and other issues facing the country.
• May defended the policy, claiming most recipients are satisfied with the benefits reforms.

LONDON — Jeremy Corbyn launched another wave of attacks on the Conservative government’s Universal Credit policy on Wednesday, describing the Cabinet as “weak, incompetent, divided.”

Speaking at this week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Corbyn repeated his plea to Prime Minister Theresa May to pause the introduction of Universal Credit, which he said will leave some claimants without money to pay for necessities like rent.

The Labour leader cited the example of Croydon Council, which he claimed spent “£3 million of its own budget to prevent tenants being evicted due to rent arrears caused by universal credit.”

Responding to the prime minister’s claim that four out of five Universal Credit recipients are satisfied with the service, the Labour leader said: “I would have thought that only if 8% of the rollout has taken place, and 20% of people are dissatisfied, that’s the cause for thought and maybe a pause in the process?”

Corbyn went onto to describe Universal Credit as just one of many issues that the government is failing to address. He said:

“This government doesn’t really know whether it’s coming or going. They say they have full confidence in Universal Credit, but won’t vote for it.

“They say they will end the NHS pay cap but won’t allocate any money to pay for it. The Communities Secretary backs £50 billion of borrowing on housing, but the Chancellor says it’s not policy. The Brexit Secretary says they’re planning for a ‘no deal’ Brexit, the Chancellor says they’re not.

“Isn’t it the case, Mr Speaker, this Government is weak, incapable, divided and unable to take the essential decisions necessary for the good of this country?”

Watch Corbyn criticise the government’s Universal Credit policy:

May defended the policy and criticised the way past Labour governments have handled the benefits system.

The prime minister said an effective benefits system relies on a strong economy, and that “high taxes” and “planning for a run on the pound” are not the methods for building a strong economy.