Key facts
- Kemi Badenoch plans to cut welfare spending to increase defence funding by £50 billion.
- The proposal includes reinstating the two-child benefit cap, projected to save over £3.2 billion.
- Half of the savings from the two-child benefit cap would be directly allocated to defence.
- Eligibility for benefits and social housing would be restricted for non-British citizens.
- Personal independence payments would be reformed, with face-to-face assessments reinstated.
Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, is set to unveil an "alternative King's Speech" proposing significant welfare reforms to fund a £50 billion increase in defence spending. The plan, detailed in 16 proposed bills, aims to cut over £20 billion from the welfare budget. Key measures include reinstating the two-child benefit cap, which is expected to save more than £3.2 billion, with half of these savings earmarked for defence.
The proposals also target non-British citizens, aiming to end their eligibility for benefits upon being granted permanent residence and barring them from social housing. Furthermore, individuals with "lower-level" mental health conditions would no longer qualify for personal independence payments (PIPs), and face-to-face assessments for PIPs would be reintroduced.
These proposals come ahead of Labour's own King's Speech, where Sir Keir Starmer is expected to present his party's legislative agenda. James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, criticized Labour, stating they "lack the backbone" to reallocate funds from benefits to the military amidst serious security threats.