Welfare reform is something that has to be done – Benn
The Northern Ireland Secretary was speaking during a visit to Londonderry.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn has defended proposed Government reforms to the welfare system – stating it “has to be done”.
Political parties in the region were highly critical of cuts to welfare in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spring statement this week.
Speaking in Londonderry, Mr Benn said the current welfare system is “unsustainable”.
He added: “It doesn’t work to help people who can get back into work. That should be an objective that all of us share.
“The Government has been very clear that those who can’t work at the moment and will never be able to work will be protected.”
Mr Benn said: “We have got one in eight of our young people not in education, work or training, one in eight. That is the future potential of the nation.
