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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

PM vows to press on with welfare cuts as rebellion grows 24 minutes ago Sam Francis Political reporter PA Media Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to “press ahead” with the government’s planned welfare changes, despite a growing rebellion from Labour backbench MPs. More than 120 Labour MPs have signed up to an effort to block… Continue reading PM vows to press on with welfare cuts as rebellion grows

Iran still has an off-ramp for diplomacy, says Lammy Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged Iran to take “the off-ramp” and return to the negotiating table. Iran has vowed there will be “everlasting consequences” following US strikes at the weekend, intended to take out the country’s nuclear programme. Lammy said he had told Iran that… Continue reading Iran still has an off-ramp for diplomacy, says Lammy

Starmer calls for Iran to return to negotiating table Sir Keir Starmer has called on Iran to “return to the negotiating table” after the US bombed nuclear sites in the country overnight. In a statement, the UK prime minister said stability in the region was a priority, describing Iran’s nuclear programme as “a grave threat… Continue reading Starmer calls for Iran to return to negotiating table