Keir Starmer faces internal revolt over welfare reform vote

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: New websites
2 Jul 2025 12:52

Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure after a chaotic welfare reform vote saw major internal rebellion, forced U-turns, and questions over leadership and future tax policy.

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Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks with trainee pilots during a visit to RAF Valley, Anglesey, north Wales, on June 27, 2025. (AP)

In Britain, Tuesday's welfare reform vote drew comparisons to the turbulent parliamentary days of Brexit and the premierships of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Despite holding a majority and a fresh mandate, Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared to have lost control as his government was battered by internal dissent.

Swathes of Labour MPs defied the leadership, prompting a series of rushed U-turns. According to the BBC, Downing Street failed to anticipate or swiftly respond to the depth of anger over proposed changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), originally set for implementation in November next year.

Starmer's government recently proposed, and then abruptly reversed, cuts to disability benefits, after more than 120 Labour MPs revolted, forcing a policy U-turn. He later admitted he had "lost grip" of the issue while focusing on foreign affairs, a miscalculation that further alienated his base.

Government misjudges Labour dissent

The first major reversal came just after midnight last Friday, signaling how hastily the concession was assembled. Government officials had hoped this would suffice, but as many as 50 Labour MPs remained opposed.

Despite attempts to reassure MPs with details in the Commons on Monday, confusion and dissatisfaction grew. By Tuesday, concern within the party leadership was palpable.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall reiterated the government's intent to proceed with the PIP changes, intensifying backlash. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner reportedly made urgent calls to sway MPs as the potential rebellion ballooned to 75–80 members.

Faced with near-certain defeat, the government issued another U-turn, stripping the reform package of its core proposals.

The backtracking angered both rebels and loyalists, leaving many feeling forced to endorse three contradictory positions in just one week. Senior Labour MP Dame Meg Hillier, who had championed the initial compromise, faced criticism from colleagues frustrated by the debacle.

One MP remarked: "Meg better own any autumn tax rises and go out and sell them on the airwaves every day until the end of the parliament."

Moreover, some in the government expressed growing disdain for new Labour MPs, with one official deriding them for their perceived inexperience and inflated self-regard.

Political implications ahead

The fallout has significant fiscal and political implications. Many expect tax increases in the upcoming autumn budget, while questions mount over whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves will remain in her role.

Insiders say plans to lift the two-child benefit cap this autumn may now be scrapped due to the crisis.

Some within Starmer's camp are unsettled by recent interviews marking his first year in office, interpreting them as veiled criticism of his advisers. That said, reports suggest a toxic atmosphere inside No. 10.

Starmer addressed the issue at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, expressing full confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and crediting him for Labour's general election win.

Despite this, the episode has left Starmer and his team bruised. With domestic challenges mounting and public confidence shaken, the prime minister faces urgent pressure to regain control and stabilize his leadership.