John McDonnell accuses ministers of lacking empathy over benefit cuts

Former shadow chancellor also says he is surprised at how poorly government has handled lead-up to policy changes

• Benefits cuts now? What's the point of a Labour MP who votes for something so cruel, tin-eared and short-sighted?

The former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has joined those criticising the government's proposed benefit cuts, as he accused ministers of lacking empathy and understanding over the proposed changes.

McDonnell, who sits as an independent MP after losing the Labour whip over a previous benefits vote, said he was surprised at how poorly Keir Starmer's government had handled the lead-up to the policy changes.