Demos comment: The unfolding welfare rebellion

The government has been forced to U-turn on it’s welfare reform agenda under mounting pressure from Labour rebels.

Reflecting on the rebellion, Polly Curtis, Chief Executive at Demos, said:

“This rebellion wasn’t just about the detail of policy, but about process. The lack of consultation with disabled people and carers fuelled the widespread lack of confidence expressed by MPs who are supportive of welfare reform, but not at any cost.

Demos’ recent research with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, using online forum data exposed how many facing financial hardship felt let down and unheard in the debate. U-turns may be awkward, but the Prime Minister has made the right choice. Trust isn’t built through rigidity, it’s earned through active listening and genuine engagement.

Whilst uncertainty persists, questions are rising as to where else sorely needed savings might come from. Those decision makers tasked with finding alternative money trees for the government must do so with the public in the room – or risk a fraught and fractious repeat of last week. Meaningful participation must become the new standard.”