At a time when political tension is running high, Sir Keir Starmer took to the stage at the Welsh Labour conference in Llandudno to defend his vision for reforming the welfare system.
Amid recent backlash and a political climbdown, the Prime Minister insisted his government remains committed to compassion—but with change.
A Welfare System in Crisis Needs Repair, Not Removal
In a speech delivered to a supportive crowd, Starmer didn’t mince words about the current state of the UK’s welfare system.
He described it as broken, failing both young people and vulnerable communities, and becoming too expensive to maintain.
“Fixing it is a moral imperative,” he said, “but we need to do it in a Labour way.”
He promised that his party would never tear down the “safety net” that so many depend on.
At the same time, he stressed that the system can’t act as a trap for those capable and eager to work.
A Backbench Rebellion Forces a Rethink
Starmer’s speech came in the wake of a rebellion from within his own party.
Faced with a looming defeat in a parliamentary vote over benefit reforms, he was forced to scale back some of the more controversial proposals.
Among the biggest concessions? A softening of changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which had alarmed disability advocates.
Baroness Eluned Morgan Leads the Charge in Wales
Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan didn’t hold back in expressing her disapproval of the proposed welfare cuts—especially those targeting winter fuel payments.
Her vocal criticism clearly made an impact.
Starmer publicly acknowledged her stance, calling her a “fierce champion” and saying she was “right to raise concerns.”
Morgan, in turn, welcomed the government’s change of direction:
“We were really concerned about the impact these changes could have… and I’m really glad they listened.”
She said the reversal brings much-needed relief to thousands of struggling Welsh residents who rely on those benefits to maintain their dignity.
Farmers and Protesters Make Their Voices Heard
Outside the venue, frustration over other political issues was just as loud.
A group of farmers showed up early in the day, parking around 20 tractors along the promenade in protest.
Later, roughly 150 pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched toward the conference venue, keeping a respectful distance while beating a drum in symbolic solidarity.
A small but vocal group of pro-Israel protesters also appeared, holding signs demanding the release of hostages and denouncing Hamas.
Starmer Slams Potential Coalition Deals as a ‘Stitch-Up’
Shifting gears from welfare, Starmer addressed what he views as an emerging political threat: the possibility of a coalition between the Conservatives, Reform UK, and Plaid Cymru in next year’s key Senedd elections.
With Wales moving to a proportional voting system, coalition governments are more likely than ever.
He warned such a coalition would drag Wales “back into chaos and division,” undoing progress and placing an unfair burden on working families:
“It would be working people left to pick up the bill.”
Reform UK and Plaid Cymru Under Fire
Starmer was especially critical of Reform UK and Plaid Cymru, accusing them of lacking credible plans for Wales.
He took direct aim at Nigel Farage, the high-profile face of Reform, calling him:
“A wolf in Wall Street clothing who has no idea what he’s talking about.”
He claimed Farage has no interest in Wales and no solutions for pressing issues like the future of the Port Talbot steelworks.
Labour’s Position in Wales Faces New Pressure
Despite Labour’s long-standing dominance in Welsh politics, recent election results in England have rattled confidence.
Reform UK made significant gains in local councils, indicating growing discontent and a real challenge ahead.
With the Senedd elections looming and pressure mounting, Starmer’s message was clear: Labour must listen, adapt, and lead—but never compromise on its core values.
