The Guardian view on Labour’s control freakery: the party once tolerated dissent. Now it treats it as treason

‘Rachael Maskell’s suspension sends a message: no one is safe – not even those whose reasoning ministers largely accepted when reversing course on the cuts.’ Photograph: House of Commons

Sir Keir Starmer’s crackdown on dissent has been a troubling hallmark of his leadership. Muzzling protest over welfare cuts won’t make the policies fairer or more popular. He seems more focused on obedience than legitimacy. The timing – days before parliament rises – caught many Labour MPs off-guard. Some thought the leadership was softening; even Downing Street had preached “the need to bring people with us”. This week shows that the old instinct still dominates.

Three out of the four MPs suspended – Brian Leishman, Chris Hinchliff and Neil Duncan‑Jordan – were elected in 2024. Their suspensions are probably meant to deter newly arrived MPs from stepping out of line. Each built an early political identity by standing up to the government. Mr Leishman opposed the closure of Grangemouth oil refinery. Mr Hinchliff defied planning reform on environmental grounds. Mr Duncan-Jordan criticised cuts to winter fuel payments.