Jeremy Corbyn has warned Keir Starmer that Labour’s current path is helping pave the way for Reform UK. The former Labour leader criticised Starmer’s handling of welfare cuts and called for a wealth tax on the super-rich to address growing inequality.
💬 A Call for a Wealth Tax
In a letter to the prime minister, signed by Corbyn and other cross-party MPs, the group pushed for a wealth tax on people with assets over £10 million. The idea is simple: “So we can rebuild our schools and hospitals.” This came in response to the government’s spring statement, which saw controversial cuts to welfare despite an increase in defence spending.
Corbyn’s message was clear: “This isn’t about scarcity; it’s about priorities.” He accused the government of pushing more disabled people and children into poverty by making cuts, while funding military spending.
🚨 Growing Poverty
The government’s own analysis showed that by 2029/30, 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, will be pushed into relative poverty due to these cuts. The average loss per family is expected to be £1,720 per year. Corbyn’s letter emphasised that this will make history as the first Labour government where child poverty increases.
💥 Backbench Discomfort
Labour’s backbenchers are uncomfortable with the cuts, with many questioning the government’s approach. Debbie Abrahams asked how making people “sicker and poorer” would help get more people into work. Rachael Maskell called for the government to “look again” at these changes.
Meanwhile, Richard Burgon accused the party of taking an “easy option” by hitting disabled people, rather than taxing the richest in society.
📊 Public Support for a Wealth Tax
Public opinion appears to be on Corbyn’s side. A recent YouGov poll found that three-quarters of Brits support tax rises on the richest, including a 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million. The poll indicates widespread backing for the progressive approach Corbyn and others are advocating.
The pressure is on Starmer to reconsider his approach and ensure that Labour’s policies don’t play into the hands of far-right groups like Reform UK. The future of Labour’s economic strategy may depend on it.
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