State support offers less dignity than work, says Starmer on benefits outlook

Benefits offer people less dignity than earning a living from work, Sir Keir Starmer has suggested.

The Labor leader took aim at “state handouts” in an opinion piece for the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, as he continues his charm offensive with voters turning away from the Conservative Party.

Sir Keir’s hardened stance on welfare comes as the latest Savanta opinion poll commissioned by the Telegraph shows Labor retaining its wide electoral lead over the Conservatives.

In his opinion piece for the traditionally conservative newspaper, Sir Keir said: “Serving the interests of working people means understanding that they want success more than state support.

“Yes, it’s a question of aspiration. I know our country is motivated by this. Entrepreneurs. Parents are working overtime to keep their children safe. Young people looking for their first home.

“But it’s also a question of dignity. The Labor mission was built on the pride of workers who earn a decent living.

“We will never turn our backs on people in difficulty. But state support does not foster the same sense of dignity of autonomy as a fair wage.

The latest Savanta poll published gives Labor 42% of the vote and the Conservatives 19%.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party received 16% of the vote, according to a survey of 2,103 British adults between June 19 and 21.

The Conservative Party continues to grapple with a scandal over betting on the date of the general election before it is made public.

The PA news agency understands the Conservatives’ head of data, Nick Mason, has taken leave amid claims he bet on the general election timing.

The revelations follow similar allegations made against Tony Lee, the party’s campaigns director, and his wife Laura Saunders, a candidate in the Bristol North West constituency.

Craig Williams, who was the Prime Minister’s parliamentary private secretary and the Conservative candidate in Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr, also admitted putting “a waver” on the election date.