Pat McFadden pleads with Labour MPs 'get on and do it' as he tries to rally backing for welfare overhaul as a 'moral crusade'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 12:01 EDT, 27 September 2026 | Updated: 12:02 EDT, 27 September 2026 Labour MPs were today urged to 'get on and do it' as Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden attempted to rally backing for a major overhaul of the benefits system.In a speech to Labour's conference in Liverpool, Mr McFadden described welfare reforms as a 'moral crusade' as he warned of a 'tough decision' for the party. It comes ahead of the publication of a Government-commissioned review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is the main disability benefit in England and Wales.A separate report on how to tackle the one million young people who are not in education, employment or training - so-called NEETs - is also due this autumn.Former prime minister Keir Starmer attempted to cut billions of pounds from Britain's ballooning benefits bill when he was in office by tightening PIP rules.But the now-ousted premier abandoned his plans as he crumbled in the face of a huge revolt by Labour's Left-wing MPs.Sir Keir then splurged more in welfare cash as he axed the two-child benefit cap in a doomed bid to save his premiership, leading the Tories to brand Labour the 'welfare party'.After he replaced Sir Keir as PM, Andy Burnham promised to 'get really serious' about reducing the country's ballooning welfare bill despite ruling out 'crude cuts'. Labour MPs were today urged to 'get on and do it' as Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden attempted to rally backing for a major overhaul of the benefits system In a speech to Labour's conference in Liverpool, Mr McFadden described welfare reforms as a 'moral crusade' as he warned of a 'tough decision' for the partyMr McFadden on Sunday put Labour MPs on notice that they can no longer shirk taking responsibility for major benefits changes.'I want us to change the question that the system asks from 'what benefit are you entitled to', to 'how do we help you live the fullest life?',' the Work and Pensions Secretary said.'We do not discharge our governmental responsibilities, let alone fulfill our progressive ideals, simply by giving people enough money to keep body and soul together. That is not enough.'Our ambition must be higher than that. We don't just owe people an income. We owe them a future too and that is what the system should be built around.'This is the cause of our times – a national cause, yes for Government but for business, for unions, for the whole of society, right across generations.'He added that there will be 'decisions to make and responsibilities to take' when Stephen Timms's review of PIP and Alan Milburn's report on NEETs are published.'How we have a new system focussed on opportunity,' Mr McFadden continued.'How we move from asking what are you entitled to – to asking how do we change your life. And how we offer you not just an income but a future too.'That’s what the welfare state must do in this century. And it falls to us, the party which did so much to create it, the party that holds it dear, to embrace the change needed.'And when we do it is not because this is some tough decision forced on us by necessity. It is because it is the right decision driven by our beliefs and values.'Because it is the moral crusade of our times. And because on it depends the future of so many people in our country. So let’s get on and do it.'Mr McFadden also confirmed Government plans to expand its job guarantee scheme for young people.The move will see young people receiving health or disability support offered a guaranteed job, funded by the Government, three months after they start claiming benefits.Currently, jobless young people must have been on Universal Credit for 18 months before receiving an offer under the Government’s job guarantee scheme.They will also be given mentoring along with support with mental health, finances and housing to help prepare them for work.Mr McFadden said Labour was offering young disabled people 'paid work with the support to hold on to it'.'Not signed off not written off. But backed by us to work, to earn, to build a life,' he added.