Starmer’s welfare woes
Political Fix27 Juni 2025

Starmer’s welfare woes

Sir Keir Starmer faced a huge rebellion from within his own party this week after scores of MPs opposed changes to make it tougher to collect some disability benefits. This episode — recorded just before the prime minister’s concessions on welfare reform — unpacks why the rebellion took place, what it says about Starmer’s leadership and where next for Labour. Host Miranda Green is joined by Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard — check out their recent articles below for fresh analysis on the government climbdown.


Plus, FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman on Starmer’s performance at the Nato summit and the impact on the UK of global uncertainty.


Follow Miranda on Bluesky: @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen on Bluesky or X @stephenkb.bsky.social‬, @stephenkb; Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman


What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com


Want more? Free links:


How Starmer averted ‘civil war’ with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts


Welfare U-turn permanently alters Labour’s playbook


Morgan McSweeney: Labour’s election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion looms


A defeat Keir Starmer cannot afford


The latest episode of The Rachman Review: ‘Too soon to celebrate peace between Israel and Iran?’


To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering readers' questions on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter.


Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Jean-Marc Ek. The FT’s acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.


Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avsnitt(574)

Theresa May resigns

Theresa May resigns

The prime minister announced her intention to resign on Friday, following a dramatic week in Westminster where a final Brexit speech misfired and brought an end to May's time in office. We discuss how...

25 Maj 201937min

Theresa May's succession, and Labour's opportunities

Theresa May's succession, and Labour's opportunities

Theresa May has finally agreed to step down, clearing the way for a leadership contest this summer, against the background of the European Parliament elections. Might we have three prime ministers thi...

18 Maj 201938min

How long will Theresa May last, and will Labour back UBI?

How long will Theresa May last, and will Labour back UBI?

Anger is growing in the Conservative party against Theresa May, but MPs have failed to move against her. Will next week be a decisive moment for the prime minister? Plus, we discuss whether a universa...

11 Maj 201928min

Gavin Williamson is sacked, and the yellow bird takes flight

Gavin Williamson is sacked, and the yellow bird takes flight

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson was summarily sacked by Theresa May, following a leak inquiry on the National Security Council. Can we be sure he was responsible? Who are the new entrants to the en...

4 Maj 201935min

Investigating the Huawei leak, Change UK launches its Euro campaign

Investigating the Huawei leak, Change UK launches its Euro campaign

An unprecedented leak from the National Security Council this week about the UK's 5G network has prompted much angst and a leak inquiry at the top of government. What was the row about and what does i...

27 Apr 201933min

Euro election campaign begins, Sajid Javid makes his leadership pitch

Euro election campaign begins, Sajid Javid makes his leadership pitch

Westminster is in recess, but campaigning has begun for the unexpected European Parliament elections on May 23. Will the Brexit party and TIGs surpass the two main established parties? Why have the Re...

20 Apr 201933min

May delays Brexit again - but how long can she hang on?

May delays Brexit again - but how long can she hang on?

The UK did not leave the EU (again) this week. Instead, exit day has been pushed back until the end of October. Where does this leave Brexit? Is the process moving any closer to a resolution? Plus, we...

13 Apr 201940min

May’s offer to work with Corbyn and Brexit is delayed again

May’s offer to work with Corbyn and Brexit is delayed again

The prime minister concluded a long cabinet debate this week by deciding to work with the Labour party, thus annoying many Tories. Will they broker a cross-party deal? Or is it all politics? Plus, we ...

6 Apr 201938min

Populärt inom Politik & nyheter

aftonbladet-krim
motiv
rss-krimstad
p3-krim
fordomspodden
flashback-forever
rss-viva-fotboll
spar
aftonbladet-daily
svenska-fall
rss-sanning-konsekvens
rss-vad-fan-hande
svd-dokumentara-berattelser-2
rss-krimreportrarna
rss-frandfors-horna
grans
olyckan-inifran
dagens-eko
kungligt
krimmagasinet