Starmer prepares welfare concessions amid backlash over benefit cuts
Starmer prepares climbdown as major rebellion builds against planned benefit cuts
- Sir Keir Starmer is facing a significant Rebellion from over 120 Labour MPs against his proposed welfare reform bill, which aims to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget.
- Discussions are underway between Downing Street and backbench Labour MPs to find concessions and avert an embarrassing defeat for the prime minister.
- The bill seeks to restrict eligibility for personal independence payment (PIP) and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit, with the goal of moving more people into work.
- Rebel MPs are concerned about the impact of the reforms, which an impact assessment suggests could push an additional 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into relative poverty.
- The strong opposition highlights deep divisions within the party, with some MPs calling for a fundamental re-evaluation of the bill rather than minor concessions.