Starmer’s ‘cruel’ welfare cuts must be voted down despite concessions, say charities
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Charities warn PM’s major backdown over welfare cuts not enough
- The government offered concessions on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill to avoid a major Commons defeat, following significant opposition from Labour backbenchers.
- The compromises include protecting Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for all existing claimants and delaying changes to PIP eligibility for new claimants until November 2026.
- Despite these concessions, numerous charities and campaign groups, including Amnesty International and the Disability Benefits Consortium, continue to oppose the bill, arguing it will entrench poverty and create a two-tier benefits system.
- Critics warn that the revised bill remains “fatally flawed” and will push future disabled claimants into hardship, urging MPs to continue to vote against it.
- While some Labour rebels view the concessions as a “workable compromise,” others still plan to vote against the bill, believing the adjustments do not go far enough.