Keir Starmer Faces Labour Rebellion Over £6bn Welfare Cuts, Including Changes to Disability Benefits

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing significant opposition from within his own party over proposed welfare cuts, particularly those affecting disability benefits. All 404 Labour MPs have been summoned to Downing Street for discussions on the matter, dubbed the 'Future of the Welfare System', in an effort to quell a growing rebellion. The proposed cuts, expected to be announced next week, include changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which could see eligibility tightened and some payments frozen. These measures are part of a broader plan to reduce the welfare bill by £6bn, which is projected to reach £70 billion by 2032. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has secured £1bn for employment support schemes to help mitigate the impact of these cuts. During Prime Minister's Questions, Starmer defended the need for welfare reform, stating that the current system is 'broken, indefensible economically and morally'. He emphasized that Labour would protect those who need support while also encouraging those capable of working to return to employment. Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Kendall are also considering changes to Universal Credit, with the basic rate raised for those seeking work and reduced for those deemed unfit to work. The backlash against the proposed cuts has been intense, with Labour MPs expressing concerns over the impact on disabled constituents. Some MPs have suggested alternative measures, such as introducing a wealth tax, to avoid cutting benefits. The government's approach has been criticized as reminiscent of austerity measures, despite Starmer's assurances that there will be 'no return to austerity'.