Politics

Keir Starmer Faces Rebellion Over Welfare Cuts—Can He Keep Labour Together

Published on June 30, 2025

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the biggest political test of his leadership so far. A major welfare reform bill that’s supposed to save the government billions is causing unrest not from the opposition, but from within his own party.

The plan, which aims to cut spending by tightening eligibility for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), has already been softened after backlash. Now, current claimants are protected, and the government has agreed to a fresh review of the entire system. But for many Labour MPs, that’s not enough.

Over 120 of them are threatening to rebel in an upcoming vote. Some are calling the changes unfair and warning that the bill creates a two-tier system—one that helps existing recipients while making it harder for future ones to qualify, reported the Express.

The fiscal reality is that Britain’s public finances are stretched thin. The government estimates the reform could save around £5 billion. But even with recent concessions, a £4.25 billion gap still needs to be filled. The challenge for Starmer isn’t just closing that hole—it’s doing so without splintering his own party.

This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about Starmer’s control. His first year in office has been marked by cautious but deliberate reform, but now, with internal dissent and growing public pressure, the very foundation of his leadership is being tested.

Critics within Labour say the strategy feels rushed, and that the public is already losing trust in the party’s economic plan. There’s also concern that Starmer’s policies are trying too hard to appeal to conservative-leaning voters—taking a tough stance on immigration and pushing fiscally conservative measures that alienate traditional Labour supporters.

And then there’s the looming presence of Nigel Farage. Some MPs warn that if Labour fractures now, populist challengers will swoop in, capturing the voters who feel left behind or betrayed.

Starmer’s inner circle is reportedly urging calm and unity, but that’s easier said than done. Allies like Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are publicly backing the PM, but speculation about future leadership challenges still lingers in Westminster.

If Starmer can push the bill through without losing his grip on Labour’s base, it’ll be a major win. But if the rebellion holds—and especially if it grows—he could find himself politically weakened just as he needs to cement public confidence ahead of the next budget cycle.

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