Sir Keir Starmer has said a vote on welfare reforms will go ahead next week despite an unprecedented number of Labour MPs expected to rebel.
Taking questions from journalists following a speech at the NATO summit, the prime minister was asked by Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby how he can govern the country if he can’t govern his party.
He replied: “On the question of welfare reform, we’re committed to reforming our welfare system. It doesn’t work. It traps people. And it has to be reformed.
“And it also has to ensure we’ve got a welfare system that is fit for the future. That is why, there will be a vote and we will press ahead with the reforms.”
Responding to other questions, he went on to insist that there is a “pretty united front” among Labour MPs that the UK’s welfare system needs reform.
“You won’t find many Labour MPs who are not accepting that we need reform, we are absolutely on the page with them,” he said.
Asked if he is confident he will lead Labour into the next general election in 2029, the Sir Keir says he is “very confident” he will.
He added the party was elected on a platform promising a “decade of national renewal” with a “huge majority”.
“It is really important that I lead from the front and take the long-term decisions about the future of our country.”
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