Labour MPs warn of rebellion as Starmer faces backlash over disability cuts

Keir Starmer is facing growing backlash from within his party as Labour MPs gear up to revolt over plans to slash disability benefits—unless the government agrees to hit the super-rich with a wealth tax instead.

Anger is building across all wings of the party, with MPs warning of the “mother of all rebellions” if proposals to cut support for disabled people go ahead. Plans revealed by the government include tougher assessments for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), halving incapacity benefits for some under Universal Credit, and stripping eligibility from under-22s—measures aimed at saving £5 billion a year by 2030.

But many MPs say these changes are not just cruel—they’re completely at odds with Labour’s values. Some are now rallying behind a call for a 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, which they argue could raise to £24 billion annually and avoid targeting vulnerable people.

Former frontbencher Richard Burgon said MPs are returning from Easter recess with constituents “terrified” over the proposed cuts. “If the government presses ahead with its cuts to disability benefits, I think it is no exaggeration to say it will face the mother of all rebellions,” he warned.

Support for a rebellion is growing fast. Up to 80 Labour MPs are thought to be considering voting against the proposals. Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, said the cuts represent “the largest disability benefit cuts in a generation,” warning that millions of households could lose up to £10,000 a year.

“We should be asking the wealthiest to pay their share – not targeting the poorest,” he said. “I will vote against this proposal.”

Lee Barron, MP for Corby, said 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—could be pushed into poverty. “I didn’t get into politics to impoverish people,” he said.

Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald echoed those concerns, saying his constituents are “worried to death” and that he couldn’t support measures that hurt them.

Even Labour figures outside Parliament are weighing in. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said Starmer made the “wrong choice” and urged a rethink. “We over-tax people’s work and under-tax people’s wealth. I do think we need to proceed with real caution on benefits cuts,” he said.

Burgon has already launched a petition for a wealth tax, gathering over 50,000 signatures. A recent poll showed 89% of Labour members back the idea.

He said, “The government has a problem, but piling more pain on those already struggling isn’t the answer. A real wealth tax must be part of a broader plan to turn things around.”

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