The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has told The Emma Barnett Show
on BBC Radio 5 live that he doesn’t think he needs to apologise
for how Universal Credit has been rolled
out.
He said that it was “right that we roll it out slowly” and that
“we improve it as we go on”, but he was asked three times by Emma
Barnett if any of the changes that had been brought in during
2017 merited an apology, and he declined to do so.
Mr Gauke also talked about doing a live radio interview (at
11am), while Monday’s reshuffle was taking place, and not knowing
if he would be staying as Work and Pensions Secretary or not.
On Universal Credit, Mr Gauke said:
“We had a system which we have improved. I am pleased that we
have improved that system. But do I think that we have
something to apologise for?
“I think Universal Credit is a system that is helping transform
lives. It is getting people into work, to a greater
extent. It is removing barriers to work, it is ensuring
that people are getting more personalised support to get into
work, and it is a really good thing.
“It is right that we roll it out slowly, carefully. We learn from
experience, we improve it as we go on. There may be changes we
make in future to improve Universal Credit – that doesn't mean
that those who go on to Universal Credit today are hard done by.
We can constantly improve the system.”
The interview continued:
Emma Barnett: “I find it very striking that you won't
concede to the people who have suffered at the hands of some of
those changes that needed to happen. You won't concede
anything to them.”
: “Well, what we are
delivering in my view is a welfare system that can help those
people get into work.”
Emma Barnett: “Are you scared to say sorry?”
: “Well, look, there are times
when it is right to say sorry. But as far as Universal
Credit is concerned I think it is a good system which has got
even better, and it is helping people into work and dealing with
the long-term challenges to ensure that people can support
themselves.”
