Sir Keir Starmer is set to face off against his own backbenchers over his controversial welfare reforms bill in just hours.
In a major test of the Prime Minister’s authority, dozens of Labour MPs are still planning to vote against it, despite concessions from ministers.
Last Thursday, Starmer agreed to protect all existing claimants of personal independence payments, a form of disability benefit, and those receiving the health element of universal credit, which is paid to those unable to work.
However, a replacement amendment, supported by disability charities, has attracted around 35 Labour MPs.
The new amendment suggests that last-minute concessions may have reduced the potential for a Government loss, however it is not guaranteed.
Starmer was dealt with another blow after London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged backbenchers to oppose the plans.
Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, told the BBC her party would vote against the measures, saying: “The benefits bill is too high.
“It was 40bn just before Covid. It is now projected to be a 100bn by 2030. And what Labour is doing is not making any savings at all. It’s just reducing the rate of increase. That’s why we are not supporting it.”
Groups including Disability Rights UK and Disabled People Against Cuts criticised the Government’s claim that Sir Stephen Timms’s review would be “co-produced” with them and urged Labour rebels to stand firm.
Asked whether he was “confident” that the concessions had done enough to secure passage of the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill, disabilities minister Stephen Timms told Sky News: “I certainly hope it passes.”
Liz Kendall insists benefit reforms deliver a ‘a fairer, more compassionate system’
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall
PA
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall that her flagship welfare legislation now aims to deliver a “fairer, more compassionate system” ahead of today’s vote.
She said: “We must build a welfare system that provides security for those who cannot work and the right support for those who can.
“Too often, disabled people feel trapped, worried that if they try to work, they could lose the support they depend on.
“That is why we are taking action to remove those barriers, support disabled people to live with dignity and independence, and open routes into employment for those who want to pursue it.
“This is about delivering a fairer, more compassionate system as part of our Plan for Change which supports people to thrive, whatever their circumstances.”
MP Richard Burgeon says reforms ‘fly in the face’ of what Labour is supposed to stand for
Richard Burgeon has suggested Labour’s welfare reforms “fly in the face” of what his own party is supposed to stand for.
Writing in the Guardian, the MP for Leeds East said: “Should these cuts go ahead, approaching half a million disabled people will lose their personal independence payments between the end of next year and 2030.
“On average, they will lose £4,500 a year, about £100 a week. That’s a life-changing reduction for people who rely on Pip to help with the extra costs of disability, including the one in six Pip recipients who are in work.
“All this flies in the face of what should be a key purpose of every Labour government: to lift people out of poverty, not push them further into it.
“It’s no wonder that disabled people’s organisations, including Labour’s own affiliate Disability Labour, remain so firmly opposed to this bill.”