Keir Starmer May Give In to Pressure to Resign as 80 Labour MPs Rebel Against Him
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the largest rebellion of his premiership as up to 80 Labour MPs express anger over plans to cut welfare benefits.
The proposed cuts, aimed at saving billions to increase defense spending and stabilize public finances, have sparked significant backlash within the party. Dozens of MPs are reportedly planning to write to Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the Spring Statement on March 26 to voice their opposition.
The reforms are expected to target incapacity and disability benefits, which currently cost £64.7 billion annually and are projected to rise to £100.7 billion by 2030. Critics within Labour argue that the cuts will disproportionately harm vulnerable groups, pushing disabled people into poverty.
One left-wing MP described the plans as part of a series of “missteps and silly decisions,” warning that the “Ukraine bounce” that allowed Starmer to boost defense spending will not last forever. They cautioned that disaffected voters could turn to Reform UK or the Green Party in the next election.
Another MP highlighted the growing discontent among colleagues, noting that many are “not happy” with the welfare cuts and feel disconnected from the government’s priorities. A third MP expressed disbelief that colleagues would not formally protest, stating that many are “deeply concerned and uncomfortable” with the proposed changes.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, echoed these concerns, calling for a “compassionate system” rather than “draconian cuts.” She emphasized the need for a “carrot approach” to support disabled people rather than punitive measures. Maskell also noted that she had detected “deep, deep concern” from fellow MPs, signaling a potential rift between the government and its backbenchers.
Despite the backlash, some new MPs have reportedly backed the reforms, with 36 signing a letter supporting Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall’s efforts to overhaul the welfare system. Ministers argue that the current system is “holding back the economy” and “bad for people’s wellbeing and health,” necessitating urgent reform.
Veteran MP Diane Abbott also warned against slashing benefits to fund defense and other priorities, stressing that the burden should not fall on the disabled. As the government prepares to unveil its Spring Statement, the growing rebellion highlights the challenges Starmer faces in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to protect vulnerable citizens. The outcome of this internal conflict could have significant implications for Labour’s unity and electoral prospects.
