Labour will unveil four major U-turns on its reforms to Britain’s soaring benefits spend today in a bid to stave off a “mega-rebellion” which could shatter the party’s working majority.
Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall had already confirmed concessions would be made to her plans after 126 Labour backbenchers signed an amendment that would have halted the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill at its first Commons hurdle.
With its second reading set for Tuesday, Kendall has vowed to bring in a “fairer, more compassionate system” through dropping four of the Bill’s key new rules.
Her original plans had restricted eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip) and cut the health-related element of universal credit.
The changes to Pip will now only apply to new claims from November 2026.
Cuts to the health-related element of universal credit have also been dialled back, with all existing recipients to have their incomes protected in real terms.
Details of a review of the Pip assessment, to be led by disabilities minister Sir Stephen Timms and “co-produced” with disabled people, will also be published.
Draft regulations for the “right to try”, to guarantee that people receiving health and disability benefits to try work without fear of reassessment, will also be laid out to MPs.
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Labour backbenchers say PM’s credibility ‘substantially damaged’ ahead of crunch vote
Sir Keir Starmer faces a critical parliamentary vote on Tuesday as MPs prepare to vote on the Government’s welfare proposals.
Despite concessions made last week, numerous backbench Labour MPs continue to threaten rebellion against the legislation.
The Prime Minister’s attempts to quell dissent have achieved partial success, with some high-profile critics now backing the Government.
Former transport secretary Louise Haigh is among those who have reversed their opposition and announced they will support the proposals.
However, one Labour MP said: “A Prime Minister can’t within weeks announce a series of reversals of policy which he was previously absolutely firm on without losing political capital.”
“That’s where we now are, it’s self-evident that Starmer’s credibility has been substantially damaged,” they told The Telegraph.
Liz Kendall’s line on the quadruple welfare U-turn – READ IN FULL
‘This is about delivering a fairer, more compassionate system as part of our plan for change,’ Liz Kendall said
PA
Liz Kendall 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.”
RECAP: What are the four U-turns for? Keir Starmer faces mega-rebellion as 100 Labour MPs plot to kill PM’s welfare bill
Last week, reports emerged that the Prime Minister was bracing for a huge backbench rebellion over his plan to cut Britain’s ballooning benefits bill by £5billion.
Almost 100 Labour MPs are believed to have signed an amendment demanding further consultation on Sir Keir Starmer’s welfare proposals.
The amendment, which has been led by Treasury Select Committee chair Meg Hillier, could derail Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall’s large-scale plans for reform.
But rebels have claimed that the amendment, which will be published on Tuesday, does not intend to wreck Labour’s welfare bill.
“We all want the Labour Government to succeed in getting people back into work and supporting those who can’t,” Hillier told The Guardian.
“We don’t want to defeat the Government but we want the Government to think again,” she added…
READ THE FULL STORY ON KEIR STARMER’S MEGA-REBELLION HERE