Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant opposition from within his own party over plans to cut £6 billion from the benefits system. Insiders have revealed that a “sizeable rebellion” is brewing among Labour MPs, with backbenchers and even some cabinet members expressing concern about the proposed cuts. The backlash comes as Starmer prepares to unveil a white paper on immigration in the spring, following last year’s controversial decision to cut winter fuel payments.
According to reports, a “group of resistance” has formed among Labour MPs, uniting both the far-left and moderate wings of the party. One insider suggested that the opposition to benefit cuts could grow, particularly among those who are against further austerity measures after 15 years of cuts. The source said, “The challenge for us on the left is to work with those people—then we’ll have a sizeable rebellion.”
However, newly-elected MPs are reportedly more supportive of Starmer’s plans. One MP told the BBC that cuts to welfare “are not that troubling” and backed the Prime Minister’s decision to prioritize increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP. The MP argued that the current political climate, marked by chaos and economic instability, requires tough decisions.
Starmer has defended the proposed reforms, stating that the current welfare system is unsustainable both “economically and morally.” He warned that without action, the cost of welfare could rise to £70 billion a year—equivalent to a third of the NHS budget or more than the combined budgets of the Home Office and prisons. The Prime Minister emphasized the need to reform a system that often leaves people worse off if they attempt to transition from benefits to work.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to deliver her Spring statement on March 26, where she is expected to announce spending cuts to address the UK’s economic challenges. A significant portion of the savings is likely to come from tightening eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and freezing disability benefits in cash terms. However, there may also be measures to protect the most vulnerable recipients of PIP.
Starmer has stressed the importance of getting people back into work, particularly young people. He described it as “really shocking” that one in eight young people are “stuck in a world of benefits and support” rather than being in work or training. The Prime Minister argued that the current system fails to provide adequate support for those trying to enter the workforce, leaving them in a worse position if their efforts fail.
To avoid a damaging confrontation with MPs, Downing Street has been holding meetings with Labour backbenchers to explain the “moral case” for welfare reforms. The government is emphasizing that the changes are designed to help people find work and improve their living standards, rather than simply cutting costs.
The proposed reforms have sparked a heated debate within the Labour Party, with some MPs arguing that the focus should be on protecting vulnerable people rather than reducing benefits. Critics warn that further cuts could deepen poverty and inequality, particularly after years of austerity.
What do you think? Should the government prioritize reforming the welfare system to encourage work, or should it focus on protecting benefits for vulnerable people? Share your thoughts!
