Keir Starmer is facing one of the biggest rebellions of his leadership as Labour MPs openly oppose his proposed welfare cuts. The dispute centers on the controversial two-child benefit cap, which many MPs believe disproportionately impacts low-income families. With around 80 MPs refusing to “suck up” to Starmer’s plan, tensions within the Labour Party have reached a boiling point.
This article explores the root causes of this rebellion, the potential impact of the proposed cuts, and how this internal conflict could shape Labour’s future.
Background on the Proposed Welfare Cuts
What is the Two-Child Benefit Cap?
The two-child benefit cap is a policy introduced in 2017 that restricts child tax credits and universal credit to the first two children in a family. This means that families with more than two children receive no additional support, leading to increased financial hardship.
- Introduced by Conservative Chancellor George Osborne
- Affects around 1.5 million children
- Critics argue it disproportionately harms single-parent families and larger households
Labour traditionally opposed this policy, but under Starmer’s leadership, there has been a shift towards fiscal responsibility, making the cap a key issue of contention.
Labour’s Changing Stance on Welfare Policies
Labour has historically been a champion of the welfare state, advocating for strong social safety nets. However, Keir Starmer’s approach signals a shift towards tightening welfare spending.
- 2019 Manifesto: Pledged to remove the two-child benefit cap
- 2024 Position: Labour under Starmer has backtracked, citing budget constraints
This U-turn has frustrated many Labour MPs, leading to significant pushback within the party.
The Catalyst for Rebellion
Starmer’s Defence Spending vs. Welfare Cuts
One of the biggest sparks for the rebellion was the government’s decision to increase defence spending by £13.4 billionwhile proposing welfare cuts. Many Labour MPs argue that prioritizing military expenditure over social welfare contradicts Labour’s core values.
- Defence budget increase: £13.4 billion
- Foreign aid reduction: £6 billion cut
- Labour MPs’ criticism: Accusations of “sledgehammering” the welfare system
This has deepened divisions within the party, leading to the current wave of dissent.
Labour MPs’ Backlash
Around 80 Labour MPs are openly opposing Starmer’s welfare stance, marking one of the largest internal rebellions of his leadership.
- Seven MPs suspended for defying the party whip in July 2024
- Key rebels include John McDonnell, Rebecca Long-Bailey, Richard Burgon, and Zarah Sultana
- MPs argue the cuts will push more families into poverty
This rebellion threatens to damage Starmer’s authority, raising questions about his control over the party.
Key Figures in the Rebellion
Suspended MPs and Their Stance
The seven MPs who were suspended in 2024 over their opposition to the two-child benefit cap have become leading voices in this new rebellion.
Notable Labour Rebels:
- John McDonnell – Former Shadow Chancellor, strong critic of Starmer’s leadership
- Rebecca Long-Bailey – Key Corbynite, opposed Labour’s shift to the right
- Richard Burgon – Vocal campaigner against welfare cuts
- Zarah Sultana – Advocates for scrapping the two-child benefit cap entirely
These MPs argue that Starmer’s approach betrays Labour’s working-class roots.
Other Labour MPs Joining the Revolt
Beyond the suspended MPs, a growing number of Labour backbenchers are publicly voicing their concerns.
- Many MPs fear losing support from traditional Labour voters
- Some ministers are considering resigning over the issue
- Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also criticized the move
This rebellion is not just about the two-child cap—it represents a larger ideological battle within Labour’s ranks.
Impact of the Proposed Welfare Cuts
Effect on Low-Income Families
The two-child benefit cap is already pushing families into poverty, and continuing it will only make matters worse.
- 1 in 3 children in affected families live in poverty
- Single-parent households are particularly vulnerable
- Ethnic minority families face disproportionate hardship
Many MPs argue that Labour should be fighting poverty, not deepening it.
Political Consequences for Labour
This rebellion damages Labour’s unity and could affect Starmer’s chances in the next general election.
- Voters may see Labour as divided and lacking a clear stance on welfare
- Starmer risks alienating left-wing supporters who oppose benefit cuts
- Public perception: Many see Starmer’s U-turn as a betrayal of Labour’s principles
With elections on the horizon, how Starmer handles this crisis will be crucial.
Government’s Justification for Welfare Cuts
Why Starmer is Supporting the Cuts
Starmer and his team argue that welfare cuts are necessary for fiscal stability.
- Deficit reduction: Labour wants to prove it can manage public finances
- Reallocation of funds: More spending on defence and infrastructure
- Avoiding Tory attacks: Labour fears being labeled “reckless” on spending
However, critics say this prioritizes balancing the budget over protecting vulnerable families.
Counterarguments from Labour Rebels
- Child poverty is rising – Cuts will worsen the crisis
- Austerity has failed before – Previous welfare cuts led to more hardship
- Labour must offer an alternative – MPs argue the party should focus on taxing the wealthy instead
The battle within Labour is as much about policy as it is about the party’s identity.
Public Opinion and Media Coverage
How the Media is Covering the Rebellion
- Left-leaning outlets (The Guardian, The Mirror) criticize Starmer’s U-turn
- Right-wing media (The Telegraph, Daily Mail) frame it as “Labour infighting”
- Social media backlash: #ScrapTheCap is trending as activists push back
What Do Voters Think?
Polls show divided public opinion:
- Labour voters overwhelmingly oppose welfare cuts
- Swing voters are split, with some supporting fiscal responsibility
- Low-income communities feel abandoned by Labour’s stance
Starmer risks losing trust from Labour’s base if he continues down this path.
Potential Outcomes of the Rebellion
What Happens Next?
- Starmer could soften his stance to ease party tensions
- More MPs may resign in protest
- Labour could lose voter confidence if divisions continue
Impact on the Next Election
If Starmer sticks to the cuts, Labour could:
- Lose support from traditional working-class voters
- Face stronger competition from smaller left-wing parties
- Struggle to unite its MPs and members
This rebellion could reshape Labour’s future, determining whether it remains a party of social justice or moves further toward centrism.
Conclusion
Keir Starmer is facing the biggest rebellion of his leadership, with Labour MPs refusing to back welfare cuts that could push more families into poverty. This crisis has exposed deep divisions within the party, raising questions about Labour’s future direction.
With public pressure mounting and internal dissent growing, how Starmer handles this rebellion could determine his leadership’s fate—and Labour’s chances in the next election.
FAQs
1. What is the two-child benefit cap?
It restricts child tax credits and universal credit to the first two children in a family, affecting low-income households.
2. Why are Labour MPs rebelling against Starmer?
They oppose welfare cuts that could increase child poverty and contradict Labour’s traditional values.
3. How has public opinion reacted?
Many Labour supporters oppose the cuts, while others see them as necessary for fiscal responsibility.
4. Could this rebellion damage Starmer’s leadership?
Yes, it risks dividing Labour and weakening Starmer’s authority.
5. What happens next?
Labour will have to reassess its welfare policies to avoid further backlash.
