Keir Starmer was accused of lacking the 'backbone' to tackle soaring benefits today amid claims there will be no plans for curbs in the King's Speech. The decision avoids another showdown with restive Labour MPs, but pours cold water on hopes of reforms being in place before the next general election. One minister told the paper: 'Welfare reform is going to be very difficult with the back benches, and the closer you get to a general election the less you want to do the difficult stuff...'Largely, the public wants to see welfare reform, and we do need to show delivery on that. No10 insisted the Government is still intent on welfare reform. 'The Labour, Lib Dems, Green, Reform UK welfare uniparty are all to weak to take the difficult but correct decisions,' he said.