Don’t weaponise welfare debate, Conservative MP tells Chancellor

A LONDON Tory MP today warned Chancellor George Osborne not to “weaponise” the welfare debate and called for some benefits to be protected from cuts.

David Burrowes said Conservatives must be able to look those receiving essential financial help “fully in the eye” and tell them their benefits would be protected.

He went on to argue that the Government should back a “generous safety net” for people needing the welfare state’s permanent support.

In his first Conservative-only budget on Wednesday, Mr Osborne is expected to set out £12 billion of welfare cuts.

Enfield Southgate MP Mr Burrowes said: “We should always make sure not to weaponise the political debate. There’s sections of the media, commentators and politicians on both the Left and Right who’ve fallen into the trap of using it for political advantage.

“It’s unfair to say ministers have been using the language of scroungers, they have not. They are trying to get people into work.

“But we need to recognise there’s significant sections that may not be able to work, who need to know the party is on their side.”

Mr Burrowes called for specific areas of the welfare budget to be protected from cuts. @JoeWatts_