Keir Starmer’s welfare reforms were meant to show strength — but this week, they exposed weakness.
Just days before the PM marks his first year in office, a staggering rebellion from more than 120 Labour MPs has forced him into an embarrassing climbdown. And while it may be enough to get his reforms over the line, it leaves his authority hanging by a thread.
🧍♂️ PM in office, but not in power
With a majority of 165, Starmer should be firmly in control. Instead, he spent Thursday scrambling to cut a deal with his own MPs to avoid a Commons defeat next week.
It worked — sort of. But the price is high.
The last-minute concessions were leaked to the media in the early hours of Friday, a move critics called shambolic and desperate.
✂️ Who gets cut — and who doesn’t?
Under the new plans, existing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit claimants won’t see their benefits slashed. But future claimants will.
Starmer also promised a full review of the welfare system involving disability groups — something many argue should have come before drafting the bill.
🗣️ No.10 spins it as ‘Labour values’
A Downing Street spokesperson claimed the deal would “preserve the system” while reducing anxiety for claimants and helping those who can work.
“Our reforms are underpinned by Labour values,” they insisted.
Rebel MP Meg Hillier, who led talks with the government, called it a “good deal.” But not everyone was convinced.
⚖️ A two-tier system?
Critics say the reforms now risk creating a cruel postcode lottery in the benefits system — where disabled people are treated differently based on when they applied.
Charlotte Gill of the MS Society warned:
“We urge MPs not to be swayed by these last-ditch attempts. The only way to avoid catastrophe is to stop the cuts altogether.”
Left-wing MPs have vowed to vote against the bill regardless of the changes.
🧨 Fallout for Starmer’s leadership
Even if the PM scrapes through Tuesday’s vote, the damage is done. The rebellion exposed deep fractures in Labour ranks — and raised fresh questions about whether Starmer has the authority to lead.
For a man meant to be delivering change, it’s not looking good.
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