Labour Faces Internal Tensions Over Planned Disability Benefit Cuts

Keir Starmer's government faces growing dissent from MPs and ministers over £6bn welfare reforms ahead of the Spring Statement.

Labour MPs and ministers are increasingly critical of planned disability benefit cuts, with some framing it as a 'battle for the soul of the party.'
The proposed £6bn savings target includes freezing personal independence payments (PIP) and stricter universal credit requirements, sparking fears of severe impacts on disabled claimants.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves defend the cuts as necessary to address fiscal challenges and rising welfare costs, citing economic contraction and budget shortfalls.
Cabinet members, including Angela Rayner and Yvette Cooper, have expressed concerns about the broader impact of spending cuts on public services and government priorities.
Labour backbenchers report strong-arm tactics from party whips to secure support, but growing unrest suggests potential challenges in maintaining party unity.