Report on Sir Keir Starmer’s Welfare Policy and Political Developments in Wales

Introduction

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, addressed the Welsh Labour conference emphasizing the urgent need to reform the welfare system. His speech highlighted the importance of aligning welfare reforms with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those targeting poverty reduction, decent work, and reduced inequalities.

Welfare System Reform: A Labour Approach

Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the consensus that the current welfare system is broken, failing vulnerable populations and escalating costs. He stated:

“We cannot take away the safety net that vulnerable people rely on, and we won’t, but we also can’t let it become a snare for those who can and want to work.”

This approach aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), aiming to protect vulnerable groups while encouraging employment and self-sufficiency.

Response to Welfare Cuts and Government Reversals

• Baroness Eluned Morgan, Welsh First Minister, was praised as a “fierce champion” and key leader for Wales’ future.
• Baroness Morgan publicly criticized proposed welfare cuts, particularly restrictions on winter fuel payments, advocating for vulnerable communities.
• The government responded by reversing these welfare cuts, demonstrating responsiveness to social equity concerns consistent with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Baroness Morgan expressed satisfaction with the government’s willingness to listen and adapt policies to protect dignity for thousands in Wales.

Public Protests and Political Climate

1. Farmers protested outside the conference with tractors, highlighting rural economic challenges.
2. Approximately 150 protesters marched for Palestine, reflecting ongoing international solidarity movements.
3. A smaller pro-Israel group also demonstrated, indicating diverse political expressions during the event.

Political Alliances and Electoral Prospects

Sir Keir Starmer warned against potential coalitions between the Conservative Party, Reform UK, and Plaid Cymru in the upcoming Senedd elections, describing such alliances as “backroom stitch-ups” that could undermine progress and worsen social inequalities (SDG 10).

• The upcoming Senedd elections will use a proportional representation system, increasing the likelihood of coalition governments.
• Starmer cautioned that alliances with parties lacking coherent plans for Wales could lead to division and economic setbacks, negatively impacting working families (SDG 8).
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has not ruled out deals with Plaid Cymru or Reform UK, while Reform UK aims to challenge Labour’s long-standing dominance.

Labour Party Performance and Public Perception

• Labour experienced poor results in recent English local elections, with Reform UK gaining significant council seats.
• Starmer criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as lacking understanding of Welsh issues and failing to present viable economic plans, particularly for industrial sectors like Port Talbot.
• Recent polling indicates 54% of voters believe Labour has underperformed since Starmer became Prime Minister, with his approval rating at -35%.
• Comparatively, Conservative leader Badenoch’s approval rating stands at -24%, Farage’s at -9%, and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey’s at 0%.

Conclusion

Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to reforming the welfare system reflects a focus on achieving key Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty alleviation, decent work, and reduced inequalities. The government’s responsiveness to concerns about welfare cuts demonstrates an effort to uphold social protection and dignity for vulnerable populations. However, political challenges remain, with upcoming elections and coalition possibilities posing risks to social cohesion and progress. Continued attention to SDGs will be essential in guiding policy decisions and fostering inclusive development in Wales and the UK.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article discusses the welfare system and its importance as a safety net for vulnerable people, directly relating to poverty alleviation.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Concerns about welfare cuts impacting the poorest and most vulnerable communities highlight issues of inequality.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The political discourse around elections, coalition risks, and governance reflects the need for strong institutions and peaceful political processes.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • References to enabling people who can and want to work to avoid welfare dependency relate to promoting decent work opportunities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 1 Indicators
   • Proportion of population covered by social protection systems (Indicator 1.3.1) – implied through discussion of welfare system coverage and safety nets.
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line – implied by concerns about vulnerable people relying on welfare.
2. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (Indicator 10.2.1) – implied by focus on poorest and vulnerable communities.
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Proportion of positions in national and local institutions filled by members of underrepresented groups (Indicator 16.7.1) – implied by discussion of inclusive political processes and elections.
   • Perceptions of public sector corruption (Indicator 16.5.1) – indirectly implied through political discourse and concerns about governance.
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (Indicator 8.5.2) – implied by references to enabling people to work and concerns about welfare dependency.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: independent.co.uk