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Government wins welfare bill vote after big concessions to rebels The government has won a vote on its benefits bill by 75 votes, but only after offering last-minute concessions to Labour rebels. Ministers had already watered down their plans once by reversing cuts to universal credit and protecting current claimants of personal independence payment (Pip)… Continue reading Government wins welfare bill vote after big concessions to rebels

Labour MPs press Kendall on rollout of benefit changes 5 minutes ago Kate Whannel Politics reporter House of Commons Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has faced repeated questions from Labour MPs over the rollout of changes to the benefit system, as the government attempts to defuse a backbench rebellion. As part of a U-turn… Continue reading Labour MPs press Kendall on rollout of benefit changes

Welfare reforms U-turn means we’re in ‘better position’, says Streeting Major concessions have put the government in a “better position” to pass welfare reforms, the health secretary said, as he admitted Labour’s leadership mishandled the rollout of its flagship bill. Wes Streeting said Labour MPs had raised “substantial” concerns about planned welfare cuts, and the… Continue reading Welfare reforms U-turn means we’re in ‘better position’, says Streeting

We’ve got the right balance, says PM after benefits U-turn 24 minutes ago Kate Whannel Political reporter Jack Fenwick Political correspondent PA Media Sir Keir Starmer has said his welfare reforms strike “the right balance” after making concessions to his own backbench MPs. The government’s initial plans, aimed at bringing down the welfare bill, would… Continue reading We’ve got the right balance, says PM after benefits U-turn

PM ‘agrees’ welfare changes deal with Labour rebels The government is expected to announce a deal shortly with Labour rebels on its planned benefits changes. Multiple sources tell the BBC existing claimants of the Personal Independence Payment (Pip) will continue to receive what they currently get, as will recipients of the health element of Universal… Continue reading PM ‘agrees’ welfare changes deal with Labour rebels

Government in talks with Labour MPs on welfare reforms, No 10 says The government is in talks with Labour MPs about possible changes to its welfare policies, Downing Street has confirmed. In a notable softening of tone, No 10 said that they “want” to go ahead with a scheduled vote on Tuesday, and admitted that… Continue reading Government in talks with Labour MPs on welfare reforms, No 10 says

PM defends leadership amid growing welfare rebellion Sir Keir Starmer has defended his leadership as he confirmed the government will push ahead with a vote on welfare reforms, in spite of a large number of Labour MPs opposing the measures. Despite efforts to stop a growing rebellion, more than 120 Labour backbenchers have signed an… Continue reading PM defends leadership amid growing welfare rebellion

More Labour MPs join benefit revolt despite ministers’ appeals A growing number of Labour MPs are supporting a bid to block the government’s planned welfare changes, despite ministers phoning backbenchers to persuade them to back down. More than 130 MPs, including 122 Labour MPs, have signed an amendment that would give them the opportunity to… Continue reading More Labour MPs join benefit revolt despite ministers’ appeals