Is Keir Starmer letting the 'right-wing media distort reality’?

The Prime Minister continues to face the prospect of a major rebellion over his welfare cuts despite making concessions to disgruntled Labour MPs.

Racting to this news, James O'Brien wonders if Keir Starmer has failed to control the narrative around his planned reforms, allowing the 'right wing media' to 'distort reality.'

Ministers hope a partial U-turn over changes to the benefits system will be enough to win over Labour rebels when MPs vote on welfare reforms on Tuesday.

The concessions included protecting people currently claiming personal independence payment (PIP) from changes due to come into effect in November 2026, and rolling back plans to cut the health-related element of universal credit.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting told LBC on Sunday that the Government is right to admit when it is wrong and revealed he had “concerns” over the bill before last week’s changes were made.

But backbench anger has continued to simmer, with a statement from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall laying out the concessions on Monday receiving a negative response.

Asked whether he was “confident” that the concessions had done enough to secure passage of the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill, disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms would only tell Sky News: “I certainly hope it passes.”

Elsewhere, LBC has can reveal polling, conducted before the partial U turn, showing concern among the public and the proposals.

The polling, commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by Survation found 31% of these polled were personally worried about the potential negative impact of the proposed welfare changes, whilst 34 % reported having a family member or friend who was worried.

Some 82% of the public believe that if someone is unable to wash or clean themselves, they should continue to have financial support for managing their condition - with only 1 in 10 (10%) of those polled saying they should not.

And 51% think the current welfare system does not treat those in need of social security with dignity and respect.

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