Labour is in tailspin on benefits with Keir Starmer wanting crackdown but fearing MP revolt
LABOUR is in a tailspin on benefits with Sir Keir Starmer wanting a crackdown but fearing an MP revolt.
The party leader is understood to support a tougher approach to claimants’ requirements to look for work.
But insiders say his hands are tied because it would spark a row with backbenchers already in a febrile mood following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire spat.
The Tories are now plotting ways to expose the opposition splits in the Commons when the Autumn Statement is voted on.
Jeremy Hunt announced a package of back-to-work measures this week that will strip claimants of benefits if they refuse to seek a job.
Labour’s shadow employment minister Alison McGovern would not say if the party would keep or repeal the crackdown if elected.
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She said on BBC Question Time: “I want to see what they’re saying and how it’s practicable first, and we haven’t had those details, but from what I’ve heard I don’t like it.”
The party’s leadership is still scarred by a saga in 2015 when interim leader Harriet Harman ordered Labour MPs not to oppose the government’s welfare reforms.
It sparked a mass rebellion with a quarter of Labour MPs breaking ranks.
A government source said last night: “Labour are in a tizz on benefits.
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"The only thing they seem sure of is that they want to water down the rules we’ve put in place to make sure claimants look for a job.
“That’s not fair on taxpayers, nor for claimants. Meanwhile we’re focused on moving people off benefits with our Back to Work Plan.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “The Tories have failed to get Britain working and get the benefits bill under control.
“Labour has always believed that everyone who can work should because rights must always go hand in hand with responsibilities. Our plan will tackle the root causes of economic inactivity and bring the benefits bill down, by cutting NHS waiting lists and making work pay.”