Media takes on Reeves’ welfare cuts
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent spring statement introduced £4.8 billion in welfare cuts, aimed at stabilizing the UK’s public finances amid rising global borrowing costs. These measures are expected to impact around three million households, potentially reducing their annual benefits by £1,720. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warns that these cuts could push an additional 250,000 people—50,000 of them children—into relative poverty by 2029-30.
At the same time, Reeves committed £2.2 billion to defence spending and outlined plans to rebuild financial headroom with a projected £14 billion package. Despite concerns from Labour backbenchers and ministers, Labour’s large parliamentary majority means the proposals are likely to pass. Reeves defended the cuts as necessary given economic instability, arguing that employment support would help offset the impact. However, critics, including think tanks and charities, warn of immediate and severe consequences for the most vulnerable.
Right-leaning publications have emphasised Labour’s supposed fiscal mismanagement, while left-leaning outlets accuse Reeves of sacrificing the poor for economic credibility.
Unless otherwise linked, all headlines are front pages on 27.03.25
Reeves squeezed by Trump
The Times
Reeves accused of balancing books at expense of the poor
The Guardian
Balancing the books on the backs of the poor
Daily Mirror
Deluded: she claimed to be restoring economic stability and delivering a decade of national renewal. The reality? Our growth forecast for this year has been slashed in half – and she’s likely to be back for MORE tax rises in the autumn
Daily Mail
‘Reckless’ Rachel ‘tanks economy’ by killing growth
Daily Express
Five years of record taxes:
– Reeves won’t rule out more increases in Autumn Budget
– Economy on a knife edge as growth forecast is halved
The Daily Telegraph
Tax hikes and extra cuts on the way, as 250,000 people pushed into poverty by benefits squeeze
The i
Anger at Labour’s warfare state
Metro
