Downing Street is in talks with Labour MPs about changing the government’s welfare policies after facing growing backlash from backbenchers, Number 10 has confirmed.
Following a U-turn on winter fuel payments, this could be the second major retreat from the government on policy. James O’Brien reflects on Labour’s self-inflicted ‘catastrophes’ and whether this could be the end for Keir Starmer.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing a major rebellion of more than 120 Labour MPs who oppose his government’s welfare reforms.
While Sir Keir has insisted these are “progressive” as the current system is “broken”, a Downing Street source has said the government is considering rowing back to appease the rebels.
A Downing Street source said: “Delivering fundamental change is not easy, and we all want to get it right, so of course we’re talking to colleagues about the bill and the changes it will bring.
“We want to start delivering this together on Tuesday.
“The broken welfare system is failing the most vulnerable and holding too many people back.
“It’s fair and responsible to fix it. There is broad consensus across the party on this.”
The Prime Minister is still been expected to still push ahead with a vote on the bill despite nearly 130 MPs planning to vote down the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.
Under its proposals, ministers will limit eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC).
Existing claimants will be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support, a move seen as a bid to head off opposition by aiming to soften the impact of the changes.
The government has argued the changes will save £5bn a year by 2030.
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Credit to : LBC
