Labour MPs ready to rebel against welfare reforms despite deselection threat
Labour MPs threatened with deselection over welfare bill rebellion
- Labour MPs, including ministers, face threats of deselection or losing the whip if they vote against proposed welfare reforms next week.
- The government aims to save £5 billion annually by reducing welfare spending, primarily through cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) for disabled individuals.
- Approximately 80 Labour MPs, including 12 ministers, are considering rebelling against the legislation, with a crucial vote scheduled for 1 July.
- Prime minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his commitment to the reforms, saying the current welfare system is ineffective and requires change, while refusing further concessions to potential rebels.
- Some Labour MPs, such as Richard Burgon, are advocating for wealth taxes as an alternative to benefit cuts and plan to present a petition before the vote.