Starmer Faces Major Rebellion Over Welfare Cuts as Labour MPs Dig In

[Social Media]

 

Starmer Faces Major Rebellion Over Welfare Cuts as Labour MPs Dig In

 

Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure to dilute his flagship welfare reform plans in a bid to stave off a major rebellion within the Labour Party, which could result in his first defeat in the House of Commons since becoming Prime Minister.

 

According to sources close to No 10, Starmer is considering tabling a government amendment ahead of Tuesday’s vote to soften the proposals and prevent an embarrassing defeat. Options include bringing forward payments from a £1 billion fund aimed at helping people return to work or publishing long-demanded policy reviews before the legislation proceeds. However, it remains uncertain whether these measures will be enough to sway the 123 Labour MPs who have already signed a rebel amendment seeking to block the Bill entirely.

 

With Labour’s commanding majority of 165, just 83 MPs would need to vote against the government for the rebellion to succeed. Among the more controversial aspects of the Bill is the proposed tightening of eligibility for the personal independence payment (PIP), reducing the Universal Credit health top-up for new claimants by 50% from 2026, and phasing out the work capability assessment—changes critics argue will significantly harm disabled people.

 

At a press conference on Wednesday, Starmer did not rule out further concessions. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed ongoing discussions, stating: “I haven’t changed my Labour values and we’re not expecting our benches to do anything that isn’t in check with them.” But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of buckling to internal pressure, saying: “This weak Government is discussing watering down their already ineffective welfare Bill. Instead of caving to his MPs, Starmer could pass his Bill by committing to cutting the welfare budget, getting people back to work and ruling out new taxes. That’d be real change.”

 

Starmer returned early from the NATO summit in The Hague to face the deepening crisis. He plans to meet personally with dissenting Labour MPs in the coming days in an effort to win back support before the critical vote. But efforts to pressure MPs into falling in line have so far failed, with the number backing the amendment growing from 108 to 123 in recent days.

 

Cabinet ministers are lobbying behind the scenes, and No 10 is reportedly weighing a rival amendment that would address several key concerns raised by the rebels—though moving too much money forward may clash with the Treasury’s projected £5 billion in annual savings from the cuts.

 

Criticism has also been directed at the delay in publishing a government-commissioned review on employment among people with long-term health conditions, being conducted by Sir Charlie Mayfield, which is not expected until autumn. With the vote imminent, the lack of transparent data has become a flashpoint for MPs.

 

Resistance to the Bill has spread beyond Parliament. Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan, mayors of Greater Manchester and London respectively, have called for a pause to the reforms. Labour MPs are especially incensed by Downing Street’s suggestion that voting against the Bill is immoral. A No 10 spokesperson said: “We simply cannot go on ignoring a system that’s been failing on all accounts. That is not the moral or progressive thing to do.”

 

In response, veteran MP Diane Abbott told The Telegraph: “It’s scandalous to accuse colleagues who are just trying to protect disabled people of being immoral. And it shows you they’re in a panic if they’re resorting to arguments that are so bankrupt.” Another Labour MP added: “It may be that there are questions of morality about certain aspects of the existing welfare system, but it’s what they’re doing that is immoral.”

 

Other parties are also expected to back the rebel amendment. The Conservatives have set conditions Labour won’t meet, such as a commitment to avoid tax rises. The Liberal Democrats oppose the cuts outright, and Reform UK—though typically in favour of welfare reductions—will vote against Labour’s plan. Reform’s leader Nigel Farage said: “I won’t do anything to help a Government get out of trouble that is doing such damage to our nation.”

 

Defending his approach, Starmer told reporters: “Many people predicted before the election that we couldn’t read the room... and we got a landslide victory. So I’m comfortable with reading the room and delivering the change the country needs.” He added: “Is it tough going? Are there plenty of people and noises off? Yes, of course, there always are, there always have been, there always will be.”

 

Meanwhile, the Centre for Social Justice is expected to publish new research suggesting up to £9 billion could be saved by restricting mental health benefits to only the most severe cases. Badenoch will echo this in a speech, saying: “That is a serious amount of money we could save. But I know it won’t be easy. Under my leadership, the Conservative Party will not shy away from confronting the tough questions that need answering and, more importantly, providing the solutions.”

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN  2025-06-27

 

 

[JonnyF]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

In response, veteran MP Diane Abbott told The Telegraph: “It’s scandalous to accuse colleagues who are just trying to protect disabled people of being immoral. And it shows you they’re in a panic if they’re resorting to arguments that are so bankrupt.”

 

Diane Abbott accusing someone else of making a bankrupt argument?  😃

 

 https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12004257/Labour-MP-Diane-Abbott-publicly-apologises-suggestion-Jewish-people-dont-suffer-racism.html

 

 

That said, Starmer is losing the support of some of the relatively sane Labour MP's as well as the loons like Abbott. His horrible treatment of pensioners, farmers, children and now the disabled has put him in trouble.  

[The Cyclist]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

That said, Starmer is losing the support of some of the relatively sane Labour MP's as well as the loons like Abbott. His horrible treatment of pensioners, farmers, children and now the disabled has put him in trouble.  

 

Labour are toast

 

 

 

11 months in, and they are in tatters.

 

The difference between sitting in the big chairs, and rabble rousing from the cheap seats.

[Photoguy21]

Starmer, Rayner and Reeves  all belong in jail for treason and deception. A bunch of lying so and so's 

[Purdey]

6 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

 

 

Being Jewish is not a race any more than being Christian or Muslim.