Jess Phillips says MPs should expect fallout for âslagging off own governmentâ | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentIndependent Bulletin homepageSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTara CobhamThursday 17 July 2025 16:31 BSTJess Phillips defends Keir Starmer's decision to suspend four Labour MPsKeir Starmer suspended four Labour MPs, Rachael Maskell, Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman, and Chris Hinchliff, for persistent breaches of party discipline after they voted against the governmentâs benefits bill.Home Office minister Jess Phillips commented on the suspensions, stating that MPs who were âslagging off [their] own governmentâ should expect consequences.Rachael Maskell, one of the suspended MPs, criticised Sir Keirâs decision, asserting he was wrong to carry out a purge of rebels and hoping for reflection within the party.Sir Keirâs authority was further challenged when senior left-wing MP Diane Abbott reiterated her own controversial comments on racism that previously led to her suspension from the Labour Party.Ms Abbott, who was readmitted to Labour in 2024, stated she has no regrets about her 2023 remarks, which differentiated between racism based on colour and other forms of racism.In fullLabour minister Jess Phillips says rebel MPs right to be punished for âslagging off own governmentâThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in