Starmer offers ‘massive concessions’ on welfare bill to Labour rebels
GuardianJUN 29
UK: Government Makes Welfare Concessions Amid MP Revolt
Above: U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on June 26, 2025. Image copyright: Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Starmer's welfare reversal is democracy in action, with backbench MPs defending working people just as they were elected to do. While there is little defense for proposing the harmful policy in the first place, Starmer has shown principled leadership by listening to his party instead of doubling down on targeting society's most vulnerable.
Right narrative
Starmer's concessions expose weak leadership and fiscal irresponsibility. Caving to internal pressure and pledging unfunded spending commitments will only force tax rises on working families to fund the economically inactive. Starmer's authority has been eroded, and it is clear Labour can't make the tough decisions needed for economic stability.