Foreign nationals could be banned from claiming benefits under Tory plans in a bid to save Britain £47billion.
Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride will unveil his plans today to cut welfare, foreign aid, and the size of the civil service to save public finances.
In his speech scheduled for this morning, Sir Mel will warn that the UK cannot “keep spending money we simply do not have”.
The proposals will include ending the right of people with “low-level” mental health conditions to claim sickness benefits.
Individuals would instead be offered support and treatment to get them back to work.
Foreign nationals would be barred from accessing the welfare system, which could affect upwards of half a million current claimants, who would also lose their right to access social housing in the future.
Mr Stride’s plans will reform the current benefits system, placing tighter restrictions on housing benefits and further requirements to look for work.
Sir Mel will say: “The Conservative party will never, ever make fiscal commitments without spelling out exactly how they will be paid for.
“We cannot deliver stability unless we live within our means. No more pretending we can keep spending money we simply do not have.”
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Upcoming at the Tory party conference today
Day two of the Conservative party conference in Manchester is getting underway, with several senior figures set to speak throughout the day.
Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch opened up the conference yesterday, saying her party has a “mountain to climb”.
She vowed her party would “strengthen our borders, restore our sovereignty and rebuild our prosperity”, insisting that the Tories remain the only party capable of delivering for the UK.
Set to speak today:
- 10:00am: Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor
- 10:30am: Claire Coutinho MP, Shadow Energy Secretary
- 10:55am: Julia Lopez MP, Shadow Science Secretary
- 11:30am: Victoria Atkins MP, Shadow Environment Secretary
- 2:00pm: Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Business Secretary
- 2:25pm: Helen Whately MP, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary
- 2:50pm: Richard Holden MP, Shadow Transport Secretary
- 3:15pm: Nigel Huddleston MP, Shadow Culture Secretary
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