Chancellor pledges welfare cuts with focus on helping young unemployed

Chancellor John Healey has stated that the government has a 'moral duty' to assist young people who are unemployed, according to BBC Business.

Healey pledged that any welfare cuts would be implemented 'in a Labour way,' signaling a cautious approach to reducing spending while maintaining support for vulnerable groups.

His comments came amid criticism from the Conservative party, which accused Labour of being 'addicted to welfare,' and from Reform UK, which argued that the recent Budget failed to address the growing benefits bill.

The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts welfare spending to increase to £353 billion this year and rise further to £431 billion by 2031/32, highlighting the financial pressures facing the government.

Healey's remarks were made in an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme ahead of the next general election, emphasizing the government's intent to balance fiscal responsibility with social support.