Politics

Starmer Defiant as 122 Labour MPs Rebel Against Welfare Cuts

Published on June 26, 2025

Keir Starmer has vowed to push ahead with controversial welfare reforms despite facing the biggest rebellion of his premiership, with over 120 Labour MPs set to vote against the government next week. The Prime Minister brushed off questions about his leadership during the NATO summit, telling GB News he remains “very confident” about his long-term plans for the country.

“We were voted in absolutely clearly saying we need a decade of national renewal,” Starmer said. “It’s really important I lead from the front and take the long term decisions for the future of this country.” But back in Westminster, his authority is being seriously tested as the revolt grows by the day.

What started as 108 rebel MPs has now swollen to 122, with high-profile backbenchers like Naz Shah and Alex Sobel joining the revolt against £5bn worth of benefit cuts. The reforms would slash payments for disabled people and tighten Universal Credit rules – measures that have even prompted 12 junior ministers to consider breaking ranks.

Standing in at PMQs while Starmer was abroad, Deputy PM Angela Rayner put on a brave face as she defended the plans. “We won’t walk away and abandon millions of people trapped in the system,” she insisted, brushing off Tory jibes about the rebellion. When challenged about the 122 Labour MPs ready to defy their leader, Rayner shot back: “I don’t need a script – we will go ahead on Tuesday”, reported the Guardian.

The Tories have smelled blood, with Kemi Badenoch offering a political lifeline – but with strings attached. She’s demanded deeper benefit cuts and tax freezes in exchange for Conservative support, a move the Fire Brigades Union called “shameful” for any Labour government.

Starmer isn’t backing down though. At his NATO press conference, he framed the reforms as tough but necessary, calling the current system “broken” and “unsustainable.” He pointed out that annual increases in disability payments now cost as much as supporting an entire city the size of Leicester.

“Those that care about a future welfare system have to answer the question – how do you reform what you’ve got to make sure it’s sustainable for the future?” Starmer challenged his critics. With his trademark lawyer’s precision, he’s betting that most voters will see this as responsible governance rather than betrayal.

But the numbers don’t lie – this is Starmer’s first proper crisis since entering Number 10. Next Tuesday’s vote will show whether his “decade of renewal” can survive its first major wobble, or if the new PM has already lost control of his party. One thing’s certain – the knives are out, and Starmer’s leadership is facing its first real test.

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