Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called fixing the UK’s “broken” welfare system a moral imperative, just one day after a Labour revolt forced his government to backtrack on benefit cuts.
Speaking at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno, Starmer insisted his government would protect the welfare “safety net” for vulnerable people. However, he warned that benefits must not “trap those who can work.”
His remarks followed a major U-turn on proposed reforms to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which would have tightened eligibility for 3.7 million claimants. After fierce pushback from Labour MPs, ministers scaled back the changes to affect only new applicants.
Despite concessions, discontent lingers within Labour ranks. Around 50 MPs support a new amendment demanding further protections for disabled claimants. While unlikely to defeat the government, the rebellion signals deep unease.
Unite union leader Sharon Graham condemned the reforms as “divisive and sinister,” urging ministers to scrap the bill entirely. She warned the changes would create a “two-tier system,” disadvantaging future claimants.
Yet critics like Labour MP Debbie Abrahams argue the changes don’t go far enough. “Protecting current claimants isn’t enough,” she said. “New applicants still face unfair barriers.”
The prime minister framed welfare reform as both a moral imperative and fiscal necessity. “The system fails people daily,” he said, citing soaring costs and “a generation written off.”
But backbenchers remain frustrated. Diane Abbott predicted a “tight” vote, citing anger over rushed policymaking. Meanwhile, Lord Falconer downplayed the revolt, calling concessions “significant.”
With a Commons vote set for Tuesday, Labour whips are scrambling to limit dissent. Ministers have spent the weekend lobbying MPs, but the scale of rebellion remains unclear.
Starmer’s challenge is clear: deliver on his moral imperative without alienating his party’s left flank. As debates rage over fairness and austerity, the welfare bill’s fate hangs in the balance.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
