Thousands of Northumbrians are set to suffer under the cruelest cuts of all as the Tory government considers cutting benefits for the most vulnerable.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “Just when you think things can’t get any worse the Tory government stoops to an even lower level.

“The thought that benefits could be cut is truly shameful. People on low incomes and people with disabilities, more than half of whom are in work, could pay the price of rewarding the rich minority. This is not what our country is about. It’s not what civilized countries do.

“This government has managed in the space of 12 years to take society backwards. We would always want our children to do better than us but under this government, they’re not. Surely we can do better than this?

“You have to ask whose side they’re on; the person who switched allegiances because they thought they’d be better off, families, disabled people, the front line workers we were on our doorsteps clapping for during the pandemic?

“Apart from their already rich friends I can’t see anyone whose interests they care about.

“Labour has plans to ensure that people get the homes, jobs, care, education, and support they need. We will be on your side.”