Starmer facing welfare rebellion
Mar 11, 2025•15 min
Episode description
There is a row on the horizon over welfare cuts. Yesterday’s meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) was packed, with many lobby journalists expecting fireworks. The Prime Minister got a positive reaction for his message on Ukraine, with MPs impressed by his strong response since Trump took office, but there was some scepticism in the room about his plan to make £6 billion in welfare cuts.
This is a difficult topic that cuts to the heart of the Labour Party and its position as the party of welfare – about 80 Labour MPs are said to oppose the government’s proposals. Can Keir Starmer weather the storm?
James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political adviser to Tony Blair.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
This is a difficult topic that cuts to the heart of the Labour Party and its position as the party of welfare – about 80 Labour MPs are said to oppose the government’s proposals. Can Keir Starmer weather the storm?
James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political adviser to Tony Blair.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.