Keir Starmer's Labour government faces a significant rebellion of over 120 MPs against its controversial welfare reform bill, which aims to cut benefits, particularly Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The scale of the rebellion, far exceeding Downing Street's expectations, has put the government on the back foot, leading Starmer to consider concessions to avoid a humiliating defeat in the House of Commons.
Thursday briefing: Keir Starmer is now ready to make concessions on his welfare reform bill. Will they be enough?
LabourPoliticsUKKeir StarmerWelfare
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Keir Starmer's Labour government faces a significant rebellion of over 120 MPs against its controversial welfare reform bill, which aims to cut benefits, particularly Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The scale of the rebellion, far exceeding Downing Street's expectations, has put the government on the back foot, leading Starmer to consider concessions to avoid a humiliating defeat in the House of Commons.
Trending- 1 Last week: Downing Street braces for rebellion of up to 50 MPs.
- 2 A couple of days later: Vicky Foxcroft resigns.
- 3 Monday: Amendment to pause bill published with 108 MPs' support.
- 4 Last night: Support for amendment rises to over 120 MPs.
- 5 Yesterday: Starmer dismisses criticisms as "noises off."
- 6 Today: Starmer appears ready to offer concessions.
- 7 Next week (Tuesday): Bill comes before the House of Commons.
- 8 March: First Edition details about the bill published.
- 9 April: Jessica Elgot's piece on Labour MPs' majorities.
- 10 Tuesday (recent): Liz Kendall holds individual meetings with rebels.
- 11 Recent days: Tactics change to "carrot rather than stick."
- 12 Saturday: UEFA Under 21 Championship final.
- 13 Monday (upcoming): Wimbledon starts.
- Potential defeat for the Labour government
- chaos for flagship welfare reforms
- £5bn hole in budget if bill is pulled
- potential for Starmer to make concessions
- political crisis for Starmer's premiership
- impact on vulnerable people (disabled, Pip recipients)
- potential for deselections (denied)
- impact on Labour MPs' majorities in constituencies
What: A significant rebellion of over 120 Labour MPs against the government's welfare reform bill, which proposes benefit cuts, particularly to Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
When: Published June 26, 2025; bill comes before House of Commons next week; amendment published Monday; numbers rose to over 120 by last night; First Edition from March (for bill details); April (Jessica Elgot's piece).
Where: UK (Downing Street, House of Commons, Westminster), England, Wales.
Why: The government aims to save money (£5bn) and tackle economic inactivity by making welfare spending sustainable and encouraging people back to work. Rebels oppose the bill, viewing it as a "brutal assault" on vulnerable people, particularly those with disabilities, and a betrayal of Labour values.
How: The rebellion grew unexpectedly large, with MPs signing an amendment to pause the bill, demonstrating their collective strength. Starmer, initially dismissing criticisms, is now considering concessions, such as relaxing restrictions on PIP qualification, to prevent a decisive defeat.