Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the Welsh Labour conference, stating that while there is consensus on the need for welfare system reform, Labour will maintain support for vulnerable people.
Speaking in Llandudno following recent policy reversals prompted by parliamentary opposition, Starmer emphasized that reforms must align with Labour principles.
“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,” the Prime Minister stated.
Starmer characterized the current welfare system as requiring urgent attention, citing daily failures, challenges facing young people, and escalating costs. He described reform as “a moral imperative” while maintaining it must be approached “in a Labour way.”
The Prime Minister praised Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, describing her as a “fierce champion” and “the best person to lead Wales into the future,” receiving positive audience response.
Baroness Morgan had previously expressed public criticism of the welfare proposals and advocated for changes to winter fuel payment restrictions, which were subsequently reversed. Starmer acknowledged to the BBC that she was “right to raise concerns” and committed to addressing them where possible.
During her conference address, Baroness Morgan expressed satisfaction with the government’s responsiveness to her concerns regarding planned welfare adjustments.
“I’m glad the UK Government is a listening government and they heard our concerns and changed their approach to welfare cuts,” she stated. “We were really concerned about the impact these changes could have on some of our poorest and most vulnerable communities, and we made that clear to our colleagues in Westminster. And I am really glad they listened because that decision brings huge and welcome relief to thousands of people in Wales who rely on this support to live with dignity.”
The conference venue saw multiple demonstrations. Approximately 20 tractors were positioned on the promenade as farmers staged a protest prior to Starmer’s speech. Additionally, around 150 individuals participated in a Palestine solidarity march, proceeding to the conference location where they observed a brief drumbeat ceremony. A smaller counter-demonstration featured pro-Israel protesters displaying “free the hostages” messaging and signs reading “free Gazans from Hamas.”
Addressing upcoming Welsh elections, Starmer warned against potential coalition arrangements between Conservative, Reform UK, and Plaid Cymru parties, describing such partnerships as a “backroom stitch-up.”
The Senedd elections will implement proportional representation for the first time, increasing the likelihood of coalition governments. Starmer suggested such arrangements could result in “a return to the chaos and division of the last decade” and potentially reverse current progress.
He told conference attendees that “working families left to pick up the bill” would be the consequence, whether through Reform partnerships or “Plaid’s determination to cut Wales off from the rest of the country, with no plan to put Wales back together.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has not dismissed the possibility of agreements with Plaid Cymru or Reform for the next Senedd election. Reform UK views the election as an opportunity to challenge Labour’s 26-year dominance in the Welsh Parliament.
Labour experienced setbacks in recent English local elections, during which Nigel Farage’s Reform UK secured numerous council positions.
Starmer directed criticism toward Farage, describing him as a “wolf in Wall Street clothing” who lacks understanding of relevant issues. He asserted that the Reform UK leader shows no genuine interest in Wales and lacks substantive proposals for the Port Talbot blast furnaces.
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