Rayner backs beleaguered Starmer over benefits reform as Labour rebellion grows
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Rayner stands ground against Labour rebels over welfare cuts
- Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, publicly backed Keir Starmer’s controversial welfare reform bill during PMQs, despite a growing rebellion among Labour MPs.
- Ms Rayner insisted the planned vote on the bill would proceed next Tuesday, stating it would help millions of people trapped in a failing welfare system.
- A significant number of Labour MPs, 122, have signed an amendment to oppose the legislation, leading to concerns about a potential confidence issue within the party.
- Opposition parties, including Tories and Liberal Democrats, challenged Ms Rayner on the bill and the internal Labour dissent, with some suggesting she could replace the prime minister.
- Ms Rayner defended the bill as a means to get people off benefits and back into work, accusing the opposition of creating the current failed system that Labour aims to reform.