Sir Keir stands firm

SIR Keir Starmer has refused to commit to further spending under a Labour government, despite growing calls from unions, including the party’s biggest donor, for him to back more of their policy priorities

The Labour leader reaffirmed his defence of the party’s focus on economic responsibility but said it will not hinder the implementation of “bold” reforms.

Sir Keir confirmed that he would keep the Conservatives’ two-child benefit cap and said he would wait until closer to the general election to announce Labour’s approach to housing allowance, which has been frozen since 2020. Pressed on whether Labour would spend more in power, he told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme yesterday: “A Labour government will always want to invest in its public services.”