Brown: There will be a national uprising if benefit cuts go ahead

Former PM warns of massive backlash if help for most vulnerable does not rise in line with inflation

- BEN GLAZE

GORDON Brown has warned of a "national uprising" if the Government opts not to increase benefits in line with inflation.

The former Labour prime minister became the latest political heavyweight to wade into the row over the uprating of benefits, an issue that has sparked backbench revolts at the Conservative Party conference and prompted signs of splits even within the Truss administration.

Appearing on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Brown said it would be "immoral" not to increase benefits alongside inflation, which has soared in recent months to levels unseen in generations.

Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng have so far not ruled out such a real-terms cut to benefits, as the pair seek out ways to shave billions off Government spending following last month's tax-cutting mini-budget.

Brown said such a move would be "unfair" and "unequal".