Pressure mounts on Starmer as minister Jess Phillips resigns

Political pressure on British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intensified on Tuesday after safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigned from the government, accusing the Labour leadership of lacking the resolve needed to deliver meaningful reforms.

 

Phillips announced her resignation in a strongly-worded letter in which she criticised what she described as the government’s failure to act decisively on major issues facing the country.

 

“Deeds not words matter,” she stated.

 

Her resignation marks another challenge for Starmer amid growing tensions within the Labour Party and increasing criticism of his leadership following disappointing election performances and internal disagreements over policy direction.

 

Although she stepped down from government, Phillips acknowledged Starmer’s personal commitment to issues surrounding violence against women and girls, noting that both had worked closely on the matter over the years.

 

“I think you are a good man fundamentally, who cares about the right things. However, I have seen first-hand how that is not enough,” she wrote.

 

Phillips also accused Downing Street of being overly cautious and reluctant to engage in difficult political debates, arguing that such an approach had slowed progress on key reforms.

 

“The desire not to have an argument means we rarely make an argument, leaving opportunities for progress stalled and delayed,” she said.

 

According to her, significant improvements in safeguarding and policies protecting women often came only after internal disputes and external pressure compelled the government to act.

 

She further claimed that controversies involving former Labour strategist Peter Mandelson and other disputes within the party repeatedly forced Number 10 to strengthen its position on women’s issues.

 

“I will never waste a crisis to make advancements for women and girls,” Phillips added.

 

Her resignation comes amid growing dissatisfaction within the Labour government over several controversial policies, including proposed cuts to winter fuel payments for pensioners, planned reductions in disability benefits and concerns over the rising cost of living.

 

Starmer has also faced criticism from some party members who argue that Labour is drifting away from its traditional social welfare principles.

 

The pressure intensified further after Labour suffered disappointing results in recent local elections across England and Wales, while Nigel Farage’s Reform UK recorded gains in several areas traditionally regarded as Labour strongholds.