UK Labour Government Marks First Year Defends Housing, Welfare Reforms Amid Backbench Rebellion

As the first anniversary of Keir Starmer's premiership approaches, he and his government reflect on a year marked by significant reforms and challenges. Starmer defends his administration's record, highlighting achievements such as trade deals with India, the US, and the EU, increased investment from the spending review, and reductions in NHS waiting lists, emphasizing the goal of enabling working people to thrive. However, his government faces internal dissent, particularly regarding welfare reforms, with some Labour backbenchers threatening to rebel over concerns about impacts on disabled people. Starmer, supported by senior ministers including Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, insists the welfare reforms aim to help those who can work into employment while ensuring dignity for those who cannot. On the housing front, the Government is progressing the Renters’ Rights Bill, designed to improve tenant security, introduce new standards, and establish an ombudsman, although it has been delayed and is not expected to receive Royal Assent until autumn 2025. Meanwhile, independent MP Zarah Sultana criticized Starmer’s past defense of lawful protest in contrast to his current stance on proscribing activist groups labeled as terrorist organizations, illustrating ongoing tensions within Parliament around activism and security.