Labour is in tailspin on benefits with Keir Starmer wanting crackdown but fearing MP revolt

LABOUR is in a tailspin on benefits with Sir Keir Starmer wanting a crackdown but fearing an MP revolt.

The party leader is understood to support a tougher approach to claimants’ requirements to look for work.

AFP

Sir Keir Starmer is understood to support a tougher approach to claimants’ requirements to look for work[/caption]

But insiders say his hands are tied because it would spark a row with backbenchers already in a febrile mood following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire spat.

The Tories are now plotting ways to expose the opposition splits in the Commons when the Autumn Statement is voted on.

Jeremy Hunt announced a package of back-to-work measures this week that will strip claimants of benefits if they refuse to seek a job.

Labour’s shadow employment minister Alison McGovern would not say if the party would keep or repeal the crackdown if elected.

She said on BBC Question Time: “I want to see what they’re saying and how it’s practicable first, and we haven’t had those details, but from what I’ve heard I don’t like it.”

The party’s leadership is still scarred by a saga in 2015 when interim leader Harriet Harman ordered Labour MPs not to oppose the government’s welfare reforms.

It sparked a mass rebellion with a quarter of Labour MPs breaking ranks.

A government source said last night: “Labour are in a tizz on benefits.

“The only thing they seem sure of is that they want to water down the rules we’ve put in place to make sure claimants look for a job.

“That’s not fair on taxpayers, nor for claimants. Meanwhile we’re focused on moving people off benefits with our Back to Work Plan.”