Labour is currently facing a potential uprising within its ranks regarding its proposed measures to slash billions from the welfare budget by encouraging more individuals to transition off sickness benefits and into employment. Reports indicate that as many as 80 MPs are contemplating a rebellion, a figure that could significantly impact Labour’s substantial majority in the Commons if other parties unite against the initiative. While The i Paper suggests that Labour whips do not expect a rebellion of such magnitude, there are indeed MPs willing to publicly express their opposition to these contentious plans. Nevertheless, it is important to note that many Labour MPs are in favor of these measures, with over 30 having endorsed a letter that characterizes the decision as a “truly progressive endeavour.”
In an effort to alleviate concerns, Sir Keir Starmer addressed MPs on Monday evening, asserting that the existing welfare system represents “the worst of all worlds,” arguing that it dissuades individuals from seeking employment while simultaneously producing an unsustainable and escalating financial burden. He stated, “That’s unsustainable, it’s indefensible, and it is unfair; people feel that in their bones.” Starmer emphasized that Labour’s message to the public should be clear: “If you can work, we will make work pay – if you need help, that safety net will be there for you.”
To implement these changes, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is reportedly set to unveil a series of reforms aimed at making it more challenging to qualify for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit, as well as freezing its value in the upcoming financial year to prevent it from increasing in line with inflation. Furthermore, she is expected to revamp Universal Credit by increasing benefits for those actively seeking employment while reducing payments for individuals deemed unfit for work, thereby creating a stronger incentive for recipients to remain in the job-seeking category of the benefit.
As this announcement approaches, numerous Labour MPs are beginning to voice their dissent regarding these plans. Here are some Labour MPs whose opposition could pose a challenge for Keir Starmer’s welfare reforms:
Neil Duncan-Jordan
Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Labour MP representing Poole, expressed his disapproval of the Government’s plans to cut approximately £6 billion from the welfare budget during an appearance on BBC’s Newsnight. He remarked, “Cuts to benefits don’t create jobs; they only exacerbate poverty in our society, and that’s why I’m very concerned about some of the proposals I’m seeing. It feels reminiscent of austerity, and I worry about that.” Duncan-Jordan also cautioned that a number of MPs could rebel against the plans, stating, “If we’re going to make poor people poorer, then there’ll be a number of MPs who won’t be able to endorse that.” He further articulated his stance on social media, labeling benefit cuts as “disastrous” and advocating for a tax on the super-rich instead.
Rachael Maskell
Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central and a former shadow minister, conveyed her concerns about proposed welfare reforms during an interview on BBC’s Westminster Hour on Sunday, noting that many colleagues are “deeply concerned” about the planned adjustments. She stated, “We understand the economic circumstances we’re in and the constraints we face, but not at the expense of pushing disabled individuals into poverty. There must be a carrot approach, not a stick approach. The right interventions must be made, and that doesn’t start with punitive measures.” Maskell warned of mounting discontent within the party, sharing that she had sensed “deep, deep concern” from her peers and emphasized the need for a “compassionate system rather than draconian cuts.”
Brian Leishman
Brian Leishman, Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, has raised alarms that potential welfare cuts could adversely affect the “most vulnerable, disadvantaged, and impoverished members of society.” He told PoliticsHome last week that ministers should consider implementing a wealth tax of 2 percent on individuals possessing assets over £10 million to help sustain welfare funding. “The government needs to recognize that inequality in the UK is escalating and, frankly, spiraling out of control,” Leishman added. “The wealth of a few has surged while many have been relegated to poverty due to years of austerity, a pandemic, and a cost-of-living crisis that has allowed corporations to impose exorbitant charges.”
Connor Naismith
Connor Naismith, the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, is another newly elected MP who has voiced his objections to the proposed welfare cuts. He remarked to The i Paper, “To reduce the welfare budget by cutting support for disabled individuals, particularly those who are unable to work, is fundamentally wrong.” Naismith also took to social media, emphasizing that the goal of transitioning more people off benefits and into work should focus on “empowering individuals, not marginalizing them.” He reiterated, “To cut welfare support for disabled people, including those who cannot work, is simply unjust.”
Diane Abbott
Veteran Labour MP and former shadow cabinet member Diane Abbott has been a vocal critic of the Government’s plans to curtail benefits to fund other priorities, such as increased defense spending. She expressed her concerns to The Telegraph, stating, “I, along with many others, are deeply worried about the burden of cuts that disproportionately affect welfare, particularly for disabled individuals, to finance military expenditures.” Abbott has also utilized social media to articulate her views, writing on X: “Keir Starmer seems to be suggesting that the benefits system is so inadequate, that it doesn’t matter if he further cuts an additional £6 billion from benefits. It really does matter.” In another post, she highlighted the irony of the Government’s priorities, noting their ability to allocate “tens of billions for drones, tanks, shells, missiles, and fighter jets, while pensioners must endure freezes and the sick will go hungry due to welfare cuts.”
Kim Johnson
Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, has consistently criticized the Government for failing to abolish the two-child benefit cap and has also decried the impending cuts. In a response to Starmer’s assertions that the benefits system is “unsustainable, indefensible, and unfair,” she remarked that his rhetoric is “straight from the Tory playbook.” She lamented, “We were promised no return to austerity. Yet, the poorest and most vulnerable are being scapegoated once more. We should be advocating for secure jobs and genuine investment, not additional cuts.”
Richard Burgon
Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, had his party whip suspended in July after voting against the Government by supporting calls to eliminate the two-child benefit cap. Although his whip was reinstated last month, he has since voiced strong criticism of the Government’s plans to trim billions from the welfare budget. Addressing reports about these proposed cuts on social media, he stated, “We should not be balancing the budget on the backs of the poorest and disabled individuals. We reside in one of the wealthiest nations globally. A wealth tax on the super-rich is necessary, not further cuts and austerity.” In another post, he warned that the “devastating cuts” could “drive hundreds of thousands into poverty.”
Ian Byrne
Ian Byrne, like Burgon, also had the party whip removed earlier this year for supporting an amendment aimed at abolishing the two-child benefit cap. His whip was restored last month, and he has similarly spoken out against the party’s proposed benefit cuts. In a post on X, he remarked, “Life is more expensive for those with disabilities. Making it harder to qualify for PIP will not eliminate those costs; it will only push more disabled individuals into poverty, not into employment.” He concluded with a strong message: “Do not punish disabled people.”
