Labour MPs rebel against benefits bill as Starmer faces major backbench rebellion
What Happened
Over 100 Labour MPs have launched a significant rebellion against the government’s welfare reform bill, supporting a formal amendment to block its progress until further consultation and comprehensive impact assessments, especially regarding disabled people, are carried out. Spearheaded by senior figures including Meg Hillier and Vicky Foxcroft, this revolt highlights deep concern over proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which could push as many as 250,000 people, and 50,000 children, into poverty. The bill, a central plank of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s plan to save £4.8 billion a year, faces internal dissent despite assurances from cabinet ministers that it is vital to protect the welfare state.
What Next
The rebel amendment could stall, or even derail, the bill if selected by the Speaker and backed by opposition MPs. With around 70 to 100 Labour MPs prepared to defy the government, Keir Starmer’s leadership may face its toughest test yet. Lisa Nandy and Angela Rayner have warned rebels they risk losing the whip or facing deselection, a move that has already driven Vicky Foxcroft to resign her government role. The Commons is due to vote next week, and unless the government offers major concessions, particularly on PIP criteria and protections for disabled people, the rebellion threatens serious political consequences.