Laura Kuenssberg slammed over question on benefits cuts

THE BBC's Laura Kuenssberg has been accused of "pitching the sick against the unemployed" while she questioned a Labour minister on planned cuts to the welfare system.

The UK Government is set to unveil more than £6 billion in cuts to the welfare budget, primarily through making it harder for people to get disability benefits and cutting the rate of Universal Credit for those deemed unfit to work.

We told how Labour was accused of waging “an all-out assault” on people with disabilities and health issues, as charities warned of the "catastrophic" consequences of the cuts.

(Image: PA) On the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, the presenter asked Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden: "Is it fair that you can get as much as an extra £400 a month in benefits if you're sick rather than somebody who's out of work and looking for a job?"

#BBCLauraK pitching the sick against the unemployed. Its not the sick vs the unemployed. Its the super rich versus the sick, the unemployed, the low paid, the elderly, people struggling to pay their bills, and everybody else too. https://t.co/oVmibpIaWJ pic.twitter.com/JeqvteVoTn

— Saul Staniforth (@SaulStaniforth) March 9, 2025

McFadden responded: "What’s not fair is for millions of people to be left on long term sickness benefits with no prospect of work, which is not good for them, and it’s not good for the taxpayer in general."

Kuenssberg then asked: "Is it fair for the taxpayer that some people can get more money if they're on the sick rather than looking for a job?"

McFadden replied: “The benefits system recognises that for some conditions people would need extra income, but we are going to bring forward welfare reform.”

When asked if the UK Government was going to be making changes to disability benefits, McFadden said: “They will be part of this discussion, yes they will.”

Kuenssberg has been criticised for her line of questioning, which some have argued is "pitching the sick against the unemployed".

One social media user said: "#BBCLauraK pitching the sick against the unemployed. It's not the sick vs the unemployed. It's the super rich versus the sick, the unemployed, the low paid, the elderly, people struggling to pay their bills, and everybody else too.".

Another said: "The term 'on the sick' is pejorative and Laura Kuenssberg and the BBC really should do better".

The BBC has been contacted for comment.