BBC viewers were left lost for words over one Labour minister's explosive debate in the House of Commons following the changes to the new update to the DWP Personal Independent Payment (PIP) reform. The Government has scrambled to head off a growing rebellion on the backbenches by offering a raft concessions to controversial welfare reforms just 24 hours before a crunch vote. The Universal Credit and PIP Bill faced its Second Reading today (June 1).
While the new concessions are designed to soothe party tensions, it remains unclear whether they will be enough to secure victory in the Commons. On Monday (June 30), Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall insisted the reforms are about "delivering a fairer, more compassionate system".
She insisted: "Too often, disabled people feel trapped - worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on. That is why we are taking action to remove those barriers... and open route into employment for those who want to pursue it."
But the new changes didn't go over well with everyone, as Labour politician and disability rights campaigner Marie Tidball shared her frustration after Ms Kendall's announcement.
She fumed: "The principle of fairness means disabled people had a legitimate expectation to be consulted. Why did the department for Work and Pensions choose not to consult with disabled people on PIP proposals and what will her department do to win back their trust?"
It didn't take long before BBC viewers flooded to X - formerly known as Twitter - to share their shock and the fiery debate online. One user fumed: "I've been out all day at a flower show. Returned home to watch the news and saw Liz Kendal having a breakdown."
They then suggested: "Just watch the clip with the sound off, she looks utterly bonkers. Then watch it with the sound on, and the shameless pompous arrogance is truly disgraceful. Shame on ANY Labour MP that supports these welfare cuts which creates a two-tier benefits system for the disabled."
Another agreed: "I had great hopes for Labour... They did inherit a broken economy, but now was the time to make good, big changes... PIP is out of control but this bill is not the cure.. Sort the NHS first, then reform PIP..."
A third chimed in with: "She looks very out of her depth, which is unsurprising considering the haphazard nature of decisions being made, reversed, and rehashed on an almost daily basis."
Meanwhile, a fourth fumed: "She is utterly bonkers! Screeching like a cat in an alley!! She's also taking money away from the disabled which makes her a lunatic!"
It comes after the Government agreed that all existing PIP claimants will remain on the current system. The tougher new eligibility criteria - including the requirement to score at least 4 points on a daily living activity - will apply only to new claimants from November 2026.
This delays the most controversial part of the Bill and protects those already receiving support.