LONDON — Nick Thomas-Symonds, Cabinet Office minister, defended Labour MPs against claims they seek to raise taxes to fund expanded benefits, responding to leaked WhatsApp messages between Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden and Peter Mandelson. The messages were released Monday as part of disclosures tied to Mandelson’s since-rescinded appointment as UK ambassador to the United States.
Thomas-Symonds stated that Labour MPs are not looking to raise taxes to fund more benefits. He described the released WhatsApp messages as “embarrassing” but said they were disclosed because of the government’s obligation to comply with a humble address motion passed by MPs in February. In one of the messages, McFadden wrote: “Every meeting I have is: ‘Who can we tax in order to pay benefits to others?’ They’re asking the wrong questions.” Thomas-Symonds countered that this does not reflect broader Labour views, saying it was not his experience that Labour MPs were demanding tax rises to pay for benefits.
He added that McFadden’s perspective has always emphasized giving people opportunities rather than focusing on benefits. Thomas-Symonds also said Labour MPs are united in tackling youth unemployment.
Thomas-Symonds attributed the rising welfare bill to the increase in the state pension and the government’s commitment to the triple lock. He said he was proud of the government’s commitment to the triple lock and looking after pensioners.
Regarding his own communications with Mandelson, Thomas-Symonds confirmed he did not release messages because his phone had been stolen. He said the device contained messages congratulating Mandelson on his ambassadorial appointment, and he had verbally described the contents of those messages to the Cabinet Office. Thomas-Symonds also noted he was not surprised to see many congratulatory messages to Mandelson after the appointment was announced, and described himself as someone in favor of transparency.