Keir Starmer Panics as Labour Revolt Forces Last-Minute Delay on Benefits Cuts Vote

Keir Starmer’s plan to overhaul Britain’s welfare system has hit a major roadblock, as fears of a Labor rebellion forced him to delay the announcement. With up to 80 Labor MPs reportedly gearing up to challenge the Prime Minister’s proposals, the expected announcement from Work & Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, has now been quietly pushed back. Originally set to be unveiled today, it’s now likely to be delayed until next week after being left off the Government’s schedule.

The backlash centres around Starmer’s push to cut benefits, with critics arguing it mirrors austerity policies of the past. Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan has been among those voicing opposition, calling on Starmer to “tax the super-rich” rather than slash welfare support, reported GB News.

In a private meeting with Labor MPs last night, Starmer defended his stance, insisting that Britain’s benefits system is in dire need of reform. “We’ve found ourselves in a worst-of-all-worlds situation – with the wrong incentives discouraging people from working, the taxpayer funding a spiraling bill, £70 billion a year by 2030,” he warned. “That’s unsustainable, it’s indefensible, and it is unfair. People feel that in their bones.”

Starmer is pushing for the changes to free up funding for his £13.4 billion increase in defence spending. But the potential cuts have rattled some Labour MPs, especially in the wake of previous decisions like axing Winter Fuel Payments and refusing compensation for Waspi women.

York Central MP Rachael Maskell has been vocal in her criticism, warning that “taking a sledgehammer to benefits” is not the right approach. Meanwhile, Labour strategists are reportedly worried that pushing ahead with these changes could drive disillusioned voters towards Reform UK or the Green Party, further complicating the party’s electoral prospects.

The Treasury remains determined to push through cuts to the welfare budget before the Spring Statement at the end of this month, as part of a broader cost-saving strategy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to roll out efficiency measures across Whitehall, aiming to balance the books while making room for increased defence spending.

Trade unions are also joining the fight against the cuts. Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright has urged Reeves to avoid adopting “Tory-style welfare cuts,” echoing the concerns of Labour MPs who feel the plans go against the party’s core values.

However, not everyone within Labour is against the move. More than 30 MPs have signed a letter supporting the decision, describing it as a “truly progressive endeavour.” Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also backed the plans, arguing there is a “moral case” for reforming the system.

“We know that there are many people who are currently receiving state support for being out of work who want to be in work,” she said. “There’s a practical point here as well, because our current situation is unsustainable.”

Liz Kendall has already made it clear to Cabinet colleagues that she believes the current system is “holding back the economy” and is “bad for people’s wellbeing and health.” Despite the backlash, the Government appears committed to pushing through changes—though Starmer may need to navigate serious internal divisions before he can get his party fully on board.