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BBC News political correspondent, Jack Fenwick, reported that a growing number of Labour MPs are backing a bid to block the government’s proposed welfare changes. More than 130 MPs, with the majority being Labour MPs, have signed an amendment that would allow them to vote on rejecting plans to cut disability and sickness-related benefits payments to save £5bn a year by 2030. Cabinet ministers have been reaching out to Labour MPs to urge them to retract their support for the amendment, but only one MP has complied so far.
Despite the pressure from ministers, Sir Keir Starmer has affirmed his commitment to moving forward with the welfare changes. The MPs who signed the amendment include members from the 2024 intake and longstanding MPs. Although Labour MP Helen Hayes clarified that signing the amendment was not a vote of confidence, she emphasized that the goal was to prompt the government to address the concerns raised by MPs to prevent potential conflicts in the future.
Noteworthy signatories of the amendment also include MPs who were suspended by the Labour party, members of Northern Ireland’s political parties, and Rosie Duffield, who left Labour to serve as an independent. Senior cabinet ministers such as Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have personally contacted MPs to persuade them to side with the government. Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the aim is to enhance the targeting of support towards individuals with the greatest needs, highlighting the government’s commitment to rebuilding the welfare system.
Parliament is scheduled to vote on the government’s welfare reform proposals in the upcoming week. Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, emphasized the importance of the government listening to the insights of its MPs in the Parliamentary Labour Party. The debate over the welfare reform bill, particularly the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, is expected to intensify as MPs from various parties, including SDLP and DUP, have also added their names to the amendment. Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his intention to proceed with the welfare reforms, citing the current system’s flaws that perpetuate dependency and escalating costs for taxpayers
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