Henry Zeffman

Westminster

Chief Political Correspondent at BBC

BBC Chief Political Correspondent

Articles

Why Keir Starmer faces a political storm over welfare reforms

2 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Iain Watson |Henry Zeffman |Harry Farley

Opposition to the welfare cuts is genuine and heartfelt among many of the Labour sceptics. But there is an underlying environment that might make conditions ripe for rebellion. Study the names of those calling for a rethink. They include people with front bench experience in opposition who hoped or expected to become ministers – and were overlooked.
Why Keir Starmer faces a political storm over welfare reforms

2 days ago | bbc.com | Iain Watson |Henry Zeffman |Harry Farley

Why Starmer faces a political storm over welfare reformsIain Watson, Henry Zeffman and Harry FarleyReutersBut a well-placed source told us it could still be pulled: "It's a live discussion."Conversations are continuing at the heart of government on the least worst course of action in the face of a significant backbench rebellion. More than 120 Labour backbenchers have signed an amendment calling for the proposals to be scrapped, making an embarrassing defeat for the government possible.
Welfare rebellion to test Starmer's authority like never before

3 days ago | bbc.co.uk | Henry Zeffman |Iain Watson |Chris Mason

Image source, PA MediaHenry Zeffman & Iain Watson & Chris MasonAll of a sudden, this is a grave crisis for Sir Keir Starmer, perhaps the gravest of his year in Downing Street so far. Politically, it looks very hard for the government to proceed with its flagship welfare policies. Economically, it is very hard to see how the government cannot proceed.
Welfare rebellion to test Starmer's authority like never before

3 days ago | bbc.com | Henry Zeffman |Iain Watson |Chris Mason

Welfare rebellion to test Starmer like never beforeHenry Zeffman & Iain Watson & Chris MasonPA MediaAll of a sudden, this is a grave crisis for Sir Keir Starmer, perhaps the gravest of his year in Downing Street so far. Politically, it looks very hard for the government to proceed with its flagship welfare policies. Economically, it is very hard to see how the government cannot proceed.
International law 'at heart' of Starmer's foreign policy, says attorney general

4 days ago | bbc.com | Henry Zeffman

Nevertheless, they help to illuminate the approach being taken by one of the most powerful figures in government, as ministers navigate a perilous diplomatic moment. On Monday, the government repeatedly declined to say whether it believed that America's strikes on Iran were legal, arguing that this was not a question for British ministers to assess.
Kemi Badenoch's missteps are a 'total disaster' say Tory insiders

1 month ago | bbc.com | Henry Zeffman

Kemi Badenoch's missteps are a 'total disaster' for Conservatives, say insidersHenry ZeffmanChief political correspondentBBC"Could this be like the 1920s where the Liberals got overtaken by Labour – but this time it's the Conservative Party being overtaken by Reform?"It's an interesting question – perhaps a little niche. But it's certainly not a question you'd expect to find a senior member of Kemi Badenoch's team openly pondering.
Kemi Badenoch's missteps are a 'total disaster' for Conservatives, say insiders

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Henry Zeffman |Chris Mason

Listen to Henry read this article"Could this be like the 1920s where the Liberals got overtaken by Labour – but this time it's the Conservative Party being overtaken by Reform?"It's an interesting question – perhaps a little niche. But it's certainly not a question you'd expect to find a senior member of Kemi Badenoch's team openly pondering.
Kemi Badenoch's missteps are a 'total disaster' for Conservatives, say insiders

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Henry Zeffman |Chris Mason

6 hours agoWatch: Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar brands Nigel Farage ‘a pathetic little man’Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has labeled Nigel Farage ‘a clown’ and ‘pathetic’ in response to a Reform UK campaign advert accusing Sarwar of ‘introducing sectarianism to Scottish politics’. “The reality is, this is just a pathetic little man, hungry for attention, trying to bring his brand of divisive politics and hate into Scotland,” Sarwar told the Press Association.
Starmer's winter fuel U-turn seeks to calm Labour nerves

1 month ago | bbc.com | Henry Zeffman

Starmer's winter fuel U-turn seeks to calm Labour nervesHenry ZeffmanBBC chief political correspondentPA MediaThe details will follow in the Budget this autumn. But make no mistake, this is a U-turn. The decision to means test the winter fuel allowance was one of the first announcements made by Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves almost a year ago.
Ministers consider easing winter fuel payment cuts

1 month ago | businessandamerica.com | Henry Zeffman

Senior government figures are discussing whether to reverse the controversial decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners within weeks. More than nine million pensioners lost out on payments worth up to £300 after Chancellor Rachel Reeves restricted eligibility for the pension top-up last year. Discussions in government have included changing the threshold at which pensioners stop receiving the benefit, or restoring the payments to all pensioners.