Latest news with #policyUturn
Sky News
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Did Keir Starmer screw up his own anniversary?
👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 Sir Keir Starmer wanted to be talking about what he sees as Labour's achievements after 12 months in government and his 10-year plan for the NHS. But, after another dramatic policy U-turn and the sight of his own chancellor crying at PMQs, when he kept his support for her slightly vague, Beth Rigby, Harriet Harman and Ruth Davidson discuss if his start in office has been shattered by this week. They also wonder if the solution to make relations with his own MPs a bit easier would be to make better use of Angela Rayner.
The Sun
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Keir Starmer admits humiliating benefits U-turn WAS his fault after being ‘distracted' by Middle East and Nato
SIR KEIR Starmer accepts the humiliating u-turn on benefits was his fault – revealing he has been distracted by global events. The Prime Minister attempted to deflect attention away from top aides after 120-strong rebellion from Labour MPs were due to derail welfare reforms. 2 The admission comes as Sir Keir marks a year in Downing Street this Friday but has been dogged by policy u-turns in recent weeks on winter fuel payments and holding a grooming gang inquiry. Existing claimants of personal independence payments and universal credit will continue to receive their benefits costing the Treasury £3 billion. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Sir Keir said: 'I'd have liked to get to a better position with colleagues sooner than we did — that's for sure. He added: 'Would I rather have been able to get to a constructive package with colleagues earlier? Yeah, I would. [But] I believe in the world we live in, not the world we want to live in.' Sir Keir recognised that he has had a hectic time on the world stage in recent weeks heading to Canada for the G7 and then Nato in Holland for summits. Throughout this time, a growing rebellion appears to have caught many in government by surprise leading to the u-turn. The PM added: 'I'm putting this as context rather than excuse: I was heavily focused on what was happening with Nato and the Middle East all weekend. 'I turned my attention fully to it [the welfare bill] when I got back from Nato on Wednesday night. 'Obviously in the course of the early part of this week we were busy trying to make sure Nato was a success.' He also said: 'From the moment I got back from the G7, I went straight into a Cobra meeting. Keir Starmer 'to BACK DOWN' on benefits cuts as he faces major revolt from MPs 'My full attention really bore down on this on Thursday. At that point we were able to move relatively quickly.' Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting hinted that there could be more concessions to rebels as a review of the Pip payments is held. He also appeared confident that the government will have the numbers to win the vote on Tuesday. The Cabinet Minister told the BBC: 'When things change and evolve as you bring in new systems, it does change sometimes from group to group, student finance being an example. He said "we've got to listen" when asked if further concessions could be made on Pip payments. Meanwhile, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has called for the Ministers to start from scratch on the Bill saying the latest plans were "divisive and sinister". 2
The Independent
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Keir Starmer warned over latest bid to restore lost voters
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism and declining approval ratings following policy U-turns, including on winter fuel payments and potentially the two-child benefit cap. Pollsters suggest these reversals risk portraying him as insecure and could fuel leadership challenge speculation. While the U-turns might be popular, experts warn they may not fully restore lost voter confidence. The two-child benefit cap presents a complex dilemma, as it's popular with voters but criticized for increasing child poverty. Scrapping it would be a significant reversal for Starmer. Deputy Leader Angela Rayner denies leadership ambitions amidst rumors of a challenge, while a leaked memo reveals her past support for child benefit cuts for middle-class families.
