John Healey: “You have been unable and the Treasury has been unwilling to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the…”

It is not progressive to allow a bigger and bigger benefits bill, and a system which offers an income but doesn't offer a future.

Cutting welfare spending was a priority and announced that every mayor in England would have access to a Local Apprenticeships Service from March 2027 to generate thousands more youth opportunities.

And every chancellor would say that’s for the budget, and I’ll set out my plans and the future route for government for this country at that budget.

Our social security system must always be there for those who can never work. But for everyone else, benefits should be a bridge to work, to wider participation, to a better life, not a trap that people can’t escape.