Published by : Daily Express
Link to article : https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2051416/keir-starmers-critics-inside-labour
The Prime Minister is under pressure to reverse cuts to Winter Fuel Payments and disability benefits
Keir Starmer’s critics within Labour are joining forces to demand the party “must not lurch to the right” in response to Reform’s election triumphs. Senior figures critical of cuts to winter fuel payments and the decision to slash aid budgets are to speak at a conference on May 31.
They include former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, who has warned that welfare cuts helped cost Labour victory in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. In an email inviting to activists to the event, organised by think tank Compass, she said: “We must not lurch to the right. It is now urgent that we develop a vision and a strategy that is confident in our values.”
Other speakers include Labour MP Rachael Maskell, who said following last week’s local election results that Labour was being damaged by “all of these poor decisions that are being made” including the decision to refuse compensation to “Waspi” women hit by the state pension age increase.
She warned: “Policies that have been introduced since July that weren’t in our manifesto – the cuts to winter fuel, not honouring the Waspi women, taking away the vital lifeline of support for disabled people – of course people are confused.”
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham will also speak. He has urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider cuts to winter fuel payments so that more pensioners keep the benefit.
While most of those taking part are on the centre-left they also include left-wing MP Nadia Whittome, a staunch supporter of Jeremy Corbyn when he was Labour leader. She warned over the weekend: “These policies are angering previously loyal voters and leading them to stay at home or vote for other parties.”
Former International Development Secretary Clare Short, a fierce critic of Sir Keir’s Government, is another speaker She has attacked the decision to increase defence spending by cutting the aid budget from 0.5 to 0.3% of GDP, saying earlier this year: “I am afraid that, in many respects, this is simply not a Labour government.”
