Keir Starmer left to sweat as Labour rebels apply heat over benefit cuts
Labour in chaos as rebels demand more welfare concessions
- Labour MPs are rebelling against proposed benefit reforms, despite amendments, as 150,000 people are still projected to be pushed into poverty.
- Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall introduced changes to the bill, including protecting current Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and promising a review, to quell the rebellion.
- Senior figures like Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan have criticized the reforms, with Mr. Burnham calling the amendments a "half U-turn."
- Rebel Labour MPs are demanding further changes or the withdrawal of the "rushed" legislation, with some suggesting a delay until a promised review is completed.
- Concerns persist over the financial savings of the cuts, now estimated at £2.5 billion, and polling indicates low public trust in Labour's handling of disability benefits.