A growing rebellion within the Labour Party threatens to derail the government’s proposed welfare cuts, as over 130 MPs—including 120 Labour MPs—unite to oppose plans to reduce disability and sickness-related benefits.
The opposition comes ahead of a crucial vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill, which aims to save £5bn annually by 2030. The welfare reform bill, set to be debated in Parliament next Tuesday, has sparked fierce debate among MPs, some of whom argue that the cuts could push vulnerable and disabled individuals into relative poverty.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure from both inside and outside his party, with many of his own MPs voicing concerns about the fairness and impact of the proposed changes.
Labour Divided on Welfare Reform
The government’s plan to tighten eligibility for PIP and Universal Credit has ignited a significant backlash within Labour ranks. More than 130 MPs, including those from the 2024 intake, have signed an amendment to block the cuts, warning that the reforms will disproportionately affect vulnerable and disabled people.
According to BBC News, the bill is intended to reduce the UK’s welfare spending, but critics argue that it fails to consider the long-term consequences for those relying on support.
While cabinet ministers are urging MPs to retract their opposition, the rebellion has gained momentum, with some Labour members accusing the government of neglecting the needs of disabled individuals.
Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms defended the proposals, stating that the current system is financially unsustainable and traps people in dependency. However, the lack of consultation on the bill’s provisions has left many MPs frustrated.
Six Potential Concessions Under Consideration
The Labour Party is exploring several potential concessions to ease tensions and quell the rebellion. These include changes to the points threshold for eligibility for PIP, which could make it easier for individuals with less severe conditions to qualify.
Another concession under consideration is altering the health top-up for Universal Credit, which currently applies to individuals unable to work due to health reasons. The government is also weighing the option of speeding up payments for claimants to help them return to work more quickly and ease the financial strain on vulnerable groups.
There is also the possibility of a policy review, which would provide assurances that detailed assessments of the impact of the welfare changes will be published soon. A more drastic concession could involve a complete axe of the most controversial element of the legislation—the disability benefit cuts—which would prevent significant income reductions for many disabled individuals.
Finally, some sources suggest that a vote delay may be necessary to prevent a defeat, giving the government more time to broker a compromise. According to The Guardian, Starmer emphasised that the government must press ahead with the changes to avoid further strain on taxpayers. However, the growing rebellion has highlighted the divisions within Labour, with some MPs calling for a more measured approach to welfare reform.
The rebellion has also attracted attention from figures outside Labour, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has warned that the cuts could harm vulnerable Londoners. As the debate intensifies, the possibility of a delay to the vote or further amendments to the bill remains on the table.