Labour Members Hold Tough Welfare Views, Poll Reveals 2026

Labour members hold tougher views on welfare than expected, according to a new poll, revealing a membership that is skeptical of increased welfare spending and supportive of higher defence spending. The survey of 788 members, conducted between late June and late July, shows health (43%), the economy (42%), cost of living (39%), and climate change (29%) as top issues, while welfare benefits (7%) and immigration (6%) rank low.

Labour Members Favor Cutting Welfare, Raising Taxes on High Earners

Despite internal rows within the parliamentary Labour party (PLP) over welfare spending, 47% of members believe the government spends too much on welfare, compared to 21% who think it spends too little. When asked how to fund the current welfare bill, 52% said taxes should be raised, with 70% specifying that only high earners should be taxed, while 24% supported higher taxes on everyone.

This surprising stance suggests a pragmatic membership that prioritizes fiscal responsibility over expansive welfare. The data also shows strong support for increased social care spending, with 73% backing higher taxes—either on high earners alone or through general taxation—to fund it.

Defence Spending and Climate: Key Priorities

The poll reveals that 68% of Labour members want Britain to spend more on defence, and among those, 61% support paying for it through higher taxes. Meanwhile, climate change is ranked as a major challenge by 29% of members, reflecting a continued environmental focus within the party.

These findings contrast with the public's general pushback on welfare, but they align with the party's shift toward a more centrist economic stance under Keir Starmer. The survey also shows that 75% of members backed Starmer in the 2020 leadership contest, indicating loyalty to the current leadership.

Comparison Table: Member Priorities vs. Spending Preferences

Key Takeaways from the Labour Membership Poll

• Labour members are more fiscally conservative on welfare than assumed.
• Strong support for raising taxes on high earners to fund key services.
• Defence spending is a priority for over two-thirds of members.
• Climate change remains a significant concern, but not top-tier.
• Leadership loyalty is high, with 75% backing Starmer from 2020.

Implications for Andy Burnham and the Labour Leadership

Andy Burnham, who inherited this membership, faces a complex landscape. While he won the leadership unopposed within the PLP, the survey did not ask about his leadership. However, a pre-election poll showed Burnham with a net favourability of 72% among members, suggesting he would be a strong contender in any future contest.

This data is likely to be watched by government officials and party strategists as they navigate welfare reforms and defence commitments. The membership's tough stance on welfare could influence policy decisions, while their support for defence and social care spending may shape budget allocations.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of camping mattresses expert, camping chairs like la z boy bag, simond mt500 budget camping mattress, camping mattresses, and simond mt500 budget camping mattress festivals. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of camping mattresses sleeping mats, eye masks sleep heatwave, alvantor pop up screen tent bug shelter camping, family days out adventures touch magic, and walking sandals women comfy summer styles. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.