In a dramatic turn of events, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a significant backlash as his government’s flagship welfare bill, designed to overhaul the welfare system, passes in a severely diluted form. This victory, hailed by some as a legislative achievement, is marred by the exodus of nearly a third of Labour MPs who refused to support the controversial measures that were initially proposed.

The bill aimed to tighten access to disability benefits, a move that sparked immediate outrage among disabled campaigners and Labour insiders alike. Protests erupted just outside Parliament, with activists claiming they were excluded from discussions that could drastically affect their lives. The original plan included a points-based system that would have made it increasingly difficult for many to qualify for essential support, even those facing severe daily challenges.

Despite last-minute concessions from the government, which stripped away the most contentious elements of the bill, analysis revealed that the revised policy would still drive an estimated 150,000 additional people into poverty by the end of the decade. This alarming statistic raises serious questions about the Labour government’s commitment to its core values of social justice and equity.

Critics within the party are voicing concerns that Starmer’s administration is veering dangerously toward right-wing policies, undermining the very foundation of Labour’s mission. As the Prime Minister’s authority wanes, the political landscape grows increasingly volatile, with murmurs of discontent reverberating through the ranks of his own party.

Starmer, who once boasted a commanding majority, is now grappling with the fallout from a bill that was meant to showcase his resolve but instead highlights his vulnerability. As the Labour Party grapples with internal strife and public outcry, the future of welfare reform in the UK hangs in the balance. The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure on Starmer to regain control is mounting.