Starmer Vows to Hold Welfare Vote in Face of Labour Revolt
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer doubled down on plans to vote on welfare reforms next week even after the number of Labour lawmakers threatening to rebel swelled.
After 106 Members of Parliament with the ruling party initially put their names to an amendment that would kill the government's bill implementing unpopular cuts to disability payments, another 15 signed up overnight, with one MP withdrawing. If all opposition parties vote against the bill, that's more than enough to defeat Starmer's administration in a vote on Tuesday.
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Starmer says welfare vote will go ahead despite threat of Labour rebellion
Sir Keir Starmer has said a vote on welfare reforms will go ahead next week despite an unprecedented number of Labour MPs expected to rebel. Taking questions from journalists following a speech at the NATO summit, the prime minister was asked by Sky News' political editor how he can govern the country if he can't govern his party. He replied: "On the question of welfare reform, we're committed to reforming our welfare system. It doesn't work. It traps people. And it has to be reformed. "And it also has to ensure we've got a welfare system that is fit for the future. That is why, there will be a vote and we will press ahead with the reforms." Responding to other questions, he went on to insist that there is a "pretty united front" among Labour MPs that the UK's welfare system needs reform. "You won't find many Labour MPs who are not accepting that we need reform, we are absolutely on the page with them," he said. Asked if he is confident he will lead Labour into the next general election in 2029, the Sir Keir says he is "very confident" he will. He added the party was elected on a platform promising a "decade of national renewal" with a "huge majority". "It is really important that I lead from the front and take the long-term decisions about the future of our country." This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the latest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
