UK Labour Suspends Four MPs Over Welfare Rebellion

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suspended four Labour MPs—Rachael Maskell, Chris Hinchliffe, Brian Leishman, and Neil Duncan-Jordan—for repeated breaches of party discipline following a major revolt against government welfare reforms. The MPs had voted against cuts to disability benefits and winter fuel payments, forcing the government into costly policy U-turns that weakened Starmer's authority. Maskell, a leading rebel, emphasized her opposition was rooted in representing constituents and fighting poverty, advocating for dialogue rather than suspension to resolve conflicts within the party. The suspensions aim to restore party discipline after 49 Labour MPs defied the government on welfare cuts, with three more MPs losing trade envoy roles for similar reasons. Critics argue the move exposes Starmer's weakened leadership, while Starmer seeks to prevent further rebellions that could undermine the government's financial and social policies. Despite their suspensions, the affected MPs remain committed to Labour values but reject policies they see as making vulnerable populations poorer.