Sir Keir Starmer is facing the most significant rebellion of his premiership as around 80 Labour MPs push back against plans for sweeping welfare cuts. The cuts, expected to be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Spring Statement, are intended to help fund increased defense spending amid rising global tensions.
In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and aggressive moves by nations such as Russia, the Labour government has prioritized national security funding. However, the decision to slash billions from the welfare budget has sparked outrage among MPs who argue the cuts will disproportionately affect vulnerable citizens.
Labour backbenchers have expressed mounting frustration, with reports indicating that a letter of complaint will be sent to the Treasury and the Prime Minister ahead of the Spring Statement. Many MPs are warning that the government’s approach to welfare reform risks alienating core Labour voters.
While Labour MPs initially welcomed the commitment to increased defense spending, concerns have arisen over the government’s decision to also divert funds from the foreign aid budget to finance it. Additionally, the possibility of the UK funding a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to withdraw American support from Europe, has further intensified the debate over financial priorities.
‘Won’t Tolerate’ Welfare Cuts
According to UK The Telegraph, approximately a fifth of the parliamentary Labour Party is refusing to accept the scale of the welfare reductions.
“This is a step too far,” said one Labour MP. “Colleagues who rarely speak out are saying they’ve had enough. They need to show their constituents that they have independent voices.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a £6 billion welfare cut as part of a broader strategy to reduce government spending. Reeves has defended the reforms, arguing they are necessary to ensure taxpayers receive value for money and to encourage people reliant on benefits to return to work.
However, MPs on both the left and center of the Labour Party have criticized what they describe as “politically painful” measures. Many feel Starmer’s approach to welfare reform, coupled with previous controversial decisions on the two-child benefit cap, winter fuel payments, overseas aid, and Waspi women compensation, is moving the party in the wrong direction.
Despite the growing unrest, the lack of new legislation means MPs have limited options to formally oppose the cuts. Still, some are determined to make their objections known.
One left-wing Labour MP remarked: “There have been too many missteps and poor decisions. This is where we draw the line.”
Another MP warned that the so-called “Ukraine bounce,” which helped justify the rise in defense spending, will not last indefinitely. They cautioned that disillusioned voters could shift their support to Reform UK or the Green Party in the next general election.
A second Labour MP emphasized that dissent extends beyond the usual critics, stating, “You can shield MPs inside Westminster, but you can’t insulate them from the concerns of their constituents.”
A third MP predicted that discontented colleagues would formally express their opposition. “This isn’t what we came into Labour politics to do,” they said.
Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, has already broken ranks to voice her concerns. “Many of my constituents are deeply worried about losing their benefits,” she said. “Using a sledgehammer to dismantle welfare support is not the right approach.”
Veteran MP Diane Abbott also warned against the proposed cuts, stating, “Many of us are extremely concerned that these reductions will disproportionately impact the disabled and most vulnerable members of society.”
With tensions rising and opposition mounting, the weeks ahead could prove pivotal for Starmer’s leadership as he attempts to balance economic priorities with growing unrest within his party.
